Transformers damaged by fire in Parkview and Forest Town

What happened

A transformer substation in Parkview caught fire on the morning of 27 February 2024, partially burning the breakers and cutting power in Parkview and Emmarentia. City Power crews found the blaze already contained by the fire service. The damage was described as extensive and was expected to need replacement of the transformer with a mini-substation and a ring main unit. Partial supply was restored, with full repairs estimated at up to 48 hours once materials arrived.

While crews were at Parkview they were told of another fire in Forest Town, on Sherwood Road, where only breakers were damaged and a few streets were affected. Restoration there was expected by 18:00 if work went to plan. The cause of the Parkview fire was not reported as established. Customers were advised to unplug appliances so a surge would not trip the supply when it returned.

Contributing factors

City Power said the cause was unclear and that an investigation was under way. A ward councillor said a line had tripped after load shedding the previous day and that, during restoration, the Westmeath transformer was suspected to have flashed from overload or inrush, possibly igniting oil. That account was not confirmed in the report.

Lessons learned

1. Treat restoration after load shedding as a period of stress on local transformers, and check loading and protection before and during re-energisation.
2. Keep replacement mini-substations, ring main units and cables available so a burnt transformer can be swapped without waiting on materials.
3. Tell customers to unplug appliances during an outage so a surge does not trip the restored supply.

Source

citizen.co.za