Transformer blows and catches fire in Allentown, cutting power to about 88 customers

On the morning of 12 July 2018, a transformer blew in the Midway Manor neighbourhood of Allentown, cutting power to about 88 customers, according to PPL. Firefighters were dispatched at about 7.30 a.m. after a report of a transformer fire. The transformer fell from a pole on Fairmount Street and was on fire, and an overhead power line also caught fire before falling to the ground. PPL said a crew had been sent and expected power to be restored by 10.30 a.m. Whether that time was met was not reported.

The cause of the failure was not reported.

1. A failed pole transformer can drop burning equipment and a live conductor onto the street, so the public should be kept clear until the circuit is isolated.
2. Early restoration times are estimates and should be checked against the crew's assessment of fire and fallen-line damage.
3. A small customer count does not reduce the risk from a conductor on the ground, so nearby households need the same warning as the wider outage notice.

mcall.com/2018/07/12/power-goes-out-in-east-allentown-after-transf...