Smoking electrical substation attended in Cowes
June 2018Published 25 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- York Street substation, Cowes
- Operator
- Scottish and Southern Energy
- What
- Smoking electrical substation
- Injuries
- None reported
- Response
- Two fire engines attended and closed the road
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Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Scottish and Southern Energy
What happened
On 18 June 2018, firefighters were called to reports of a smoking electrical substation on York Street in Cowes. Two fire engines attended, investigated the scene and closed the road. A fire and rescue spokesperson said the smoke was caused by oil in a transformer. The incident was then handed over to Scottish and Southern Energy. Damage, injuries and any loss of supply were not reported.
Contributing factors
The only cause reported was oil in a transformer. No further contributing factors were given.
Lessons learned
- Oil smoke from a transformer needs early isolation by the network operator before crews enter the substation.
- Road closure should stay in place until the operator confirms the substation is safe after an oil smoke event.
- Handover from fire service to Scottish and Southern Energy must record next steps on the transformer.
More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, emergency response and public communication, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Transformer model and age
- Duration of any loss of supply
- Cost of repairs or replacement
This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.
Source
Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
