Transformer explosion follows shed fire in Loudoun County

What happened

A shed fire in the 1900 block of North Amelia Street in Loudoun County, Virginia, was reported to have extended to nearby high-tension power lines and a transformer on a power pole. Officials said a transformer explosion occurred because of the location of the lines. Fire crews extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported and no residents were displaced. The cause of the shed fire was not reported, and it was not reported whether any power outage occurred. The scene was secured, with further investigation left to local authorities.

Contributing factors

Fire from an adjacent shed reached overhead lines and a pole-mounted transformer. The cause of the shed fire was not reported.

Lessons learned

1. Keep structures clear of overhead lines and pole-mounted equipment so an external fire is less likely to reach them.
2. Plan access and response for fires involving high-tension lines.
3. Be ready to isolate affected equipment when an external fire reaches a transformer.

Source

fox5dc.com