Transformer explosion causes fire at Medford power station

What happened

Crews responded to a fire at a power station off North OR-99 on Lynn Street in northwest Medford after a transformer exploded. Pacific Power assisted with the transformer. The Medford Fire Department also assisted and blocked traffic on Lynn Street. Crews focused on high-voltage electrical equipment and reduced the fire significantly. There were no power outages at the time of the report. It was uncertain whether nearby businesses and homes would lose power later, and the fire was expected to have little or no impact on the community.

Contributing factors

The fire was reported to have started after a transformer exploded. Why the transformer exploded was not reported.

Lessons learned

1. A transformer explosion at a power station can start a fire that needs a joint response from the fire service and the utility, including traffic control.
2. High-voltage equipment should be treated as live until it is confirmed safe to approach.
3. Early reports may not show later effects on nearby customers, so supply should be monitored after the fire is reduced.

Source

kdrv.com