Transformer fire in Gates causes power cut for residents

What happened

A transformer fire broke out on Lyell Road and Hickory Manor Drive in Gates, New York, around 6.50 p.m. on Wednesday. The Gates fire chief said mineral-based oil leaking from the transformer caused a fire on the ground involving a catch basin. RG&E cut power to the transformer. Earlier in the evening more than 1,500 people in the area were without power. The utility said new automation tools helped restore supply to all affected residents by 8 p.m. The cause of the transformer fire itself was not reported.

Contributing factors

The fire chief said mineral-based oil leaking from the transformer caused the ground fire at a catch basin. Why the transformer caught fire was not reported.

Lessons learned

1. Oil leaking from a transformer can start a fire on the ground, including at a drain or catch basin, so leaked oil should be treated as a fire risk.
2. Isolating the affected transformer by cutting its supply is a reported step in stopping the event.
3. Automated switching can help restore customers quickly after a local transformer fault, as reported here.

Source

whec.com