Substation transformer fire cuts power to Centerville neighbourhood

On a Sunday morning, an electrical substation on Old Stage Road in Centerville, Massachusetts, operated by Eversource, experienced a transformer fire that knocked out power to nearby residents. The local fire department received multiple calls at around 9:25am and arrived to find a small amount of smoke. Within minutes the two transformers were fully alight, with flames reaching approximately 25 feet into the air and black smoke visible from the control tower at a nearby airport. A second fire engine and a rescue vehicle from a neighbouring fire department responded. Nearby residents reported hearing loud explosions and feeling their houses shake. Eversource brought in a temporary generator later that day to restore power while replacement of the damaged transformers was carried out.

Not reported.

1. Substation transformer failures can escalate rapidly from minor smoke to full-scale fire within minutes, requiring fast multi-agency fire response.
2. Nearby residents may perceive transformer explosions as highly alarming events, underscoring the value of clear and prompt communication from utilities during such incidents.
3. Temporary generation should be pre-positioned or readily available to restore power quickly to affected communities while permanent repairs are completed.

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