Transformer fire at We Energies substation cuts power to more than 19,000 customers in Milwaukee
EIR-1210Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 24 September 2026.
On 8 May 2018, a fire at a We Energies substation on Center and 30th, on Milwaukee's north side, left more than 19,000 customers without power for about two hours. Neighbours reported an explosion around 5 p.m. The initial transformer fire caused only a brief outage as the system switched customers to another transformer. Power was then shut off so fire crews could work safely, and it was restored around 7 p.m. The cause was not known at the time.
The cause of the fire was not reported. Fire crews said about 138,000 volts remained live and had to be de-energised before they could enter the area.
- A short automatic transfer does not remove the need to isolate live high-voltage equipment before firefighting.
- Isolation for a safe response can create a much longer secondary outage, which operators should plan for and communicate.
- Do not treat the failed transformer as understood until the fire is out and the equipment has been examined.
Published 2026-09-24. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.