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Grid infrastructureCanadaEIR-1229

Transformer explosion causes outage in Kelowna neighbourhood

2019Published 25 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
near Tamarack Drive in South Rutland, Kelowna
Operator
FortisBC
What
Transformer blew, sending fire into grass below power line
Response
Kelowna Fire Department doused area with water
Cause
Under investigation

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

What happened

A transformer exploded near Tamarack Drive, close to South Rutland in Kelowna, at 9:30 p.m. on a Friday night in June 2019. Fire fell into grass below the power line and set it alight. At the same time, power went out for more than 1,000 homes and businesses. FortisBC said the affected area was east of Dilworth Drive, along the Highway 97 corridor to Highway 33, and bordered by Mission Creek on the south.

The Kelowna Fire Department doused the area with water, and residents helped stop the grass fire spreading. FortisBC crews investigated the cause and estimated restoration by 12:30 a.m. on Saturday once it was safe. Restaurants, grocery stores and hotels were among those affected.

Contributing factors

The cause of the outage was not reported. FortisBC said crews were investigating.

Lessons learned

  1. After a transformer failure, restoration should wait until crews confirm it is safe.
  2. A prompt fire-service response, with help from people nearby, can limit grass fire spread under a power line.
  3. A clear estimate of restoration time helps customers during a large local outage.

More lessons on spacing, layout and fire spread, outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Exact cause of the transformer failure
  • Whether power was restored by 12:30 a.m. Saturday

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

Source

globalnews.ca

Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Grid infrastructure incidents in Canada, by year, free with a credit (PNG).

Grid infrastructure incidents in Canada: 30 entries, with a free alert for the next one.

Substation and transformer fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one. Also: transformer explosions and power line and cable failures.

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