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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-1142

Transformer fire causes power outage in Pitcairn

Aug 2018Published 21 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectricalProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordFailed part hidden
Where
Borough of Pitcairn near Haymaker Village in Monroeville
Operator
Duquesne Light
What
Transformer fire knocked out power to entire Borough of Pitcairn
Response
Duquesne Light crew making repairs early the following morning
Outcome
Service to most of Pitcairn appeared restored

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Duquesne Light

What happened

A transformer fire knocked out power to the entire Borough of Pitcairn, according to police. The fire happened before 10 p.m. on Wednesday near Haymaker Village in Monroeville. A viewer video showed a utility pole on fire before an explosion. A Duquesne Light crew was seen making repairs in the area early the following morning. It appeared that service to most of Pitcairn had been restored.

Lessons learned

  1. A transformer fire on a utility pole can cut supply to a whole community, so operators should map single points that serve an entire area.
  2. A pole fire followed by an explosion needs rapid isolation and a safe cordon around debris.

More lessons on outages, backup supply and restoration, electrical protection and isolation, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the transformer fire
  • Transformer model and age
  • Exact duration of the outage
  • Cost of repairs and lost supply

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

cbsnews.com

Published 2026-09-21. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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