Explosive fire at Cobb EMC substation in Marietta

What happened

An electrical fire broke out at about 12:30 a.m. at a fenced Cobb EMC substation on County Services Parkway near Valor Drive in Marietta, Cobb County. The fire lit the night sky and explosions were reported. Cobb County Emergency Management said more than 6,000 people were without power at one point. Fire crews surveyed the area and waited until Cobb EMC personnel said it was safe before fighting the fire inside the substation. Cobb EMC said power for customers served through that substation was rerouted and restored by 2 a.m.

Contributing factors

Cobb EMC described the event as a major equipment failure. The company said the cause was not yet known and that an investigation was under way, with insurance and manufacturing representatives expected to help identify the root cause.

Lessons learned

1. A substation fire can produce explosions and bright flames that lead nearby residents to leave before the hazard is clear, so early public information matters.
2. Fire crews may need the operator to confirm it is safe to enter a live substation before they fight the fire.
3. Where the failed equipment is not yet identified, supply can be restored by rerouting while the investigation continues.

Source

atlantanewsfirst.com