Short circuit on pole sparks fire at Ghaghsara Bazaar

What happened

Late on Wednesday night a short circuit was reported on an electricity pole in Hanumant Nagar, Ghaghsara Bazaar, in the Gorakhpur area. Flames and sparks came from the pole, alarming nearby shopkeepers and residents. The Ghaghsara power house was informed and the supply was switched off, after which the situation was brought under control. The report says no one was caught in the fire and a larger incident was avoided. The extent of damage and how long the supply stayed off were not reported.

Contributing factors

The report attributes the fire to a short circuit on the pole. It does not describe what caused the short circuit. Local people asked the electricity department to inspect and repair poles and wires in the market.

Lessons learned

1. Isolating supply promptly after a pole fire is reported can limit escalation.
2. Inspection and repair of distribution poles and wiring in busy market areas can reduce the chance of a repeat.
3. A clear local route to the power house helps crews cut supply before a pole fire spreads.

Source

bhaskar.com