Transformer fire at substation causes power outage in Whiting
EIR-1323Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 26 September 2026.
What happened
A transformer fire occurred at a JCP&L electrical substation in Whiting on 15 January 2018. The fire was found after a loud boom was heard near Manchester Blvd. and Lacey Road. It left nearly 4,200 customers without power for part of the afternoon. Whiting Volunteer Fire Company and JCP&L crews attended, extinguished the fire, and restored power within a few hours. A warming station was set up but was not needed once power was restored.
Lessons learned
- Rapid attendance by fire and utility crews can limit outage duration after a substation fire.
- Local emergency management should be ready to open warming centres during winter outages, even if they are not used.
- Nearby observers can provide the first indication of a substation fire, so crews should treat unusual sounds or reports as a prompt to check the site.
Published 2026-09-26. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.