Transformer explodes at Bonneville Power Administration substation in Troutdale

What happened

On 6 April 2022, a transformer failure caused an explosion of flames and smoke at the Bonneville Power Administration substation in Troutdale, Oregon, in the 2700 block of Northwest Sundial Road. A large plume of black smoke filled the sky and was visible on a traffic camera covering Interstate 84 and Southwest 257th Drive. A representative for the Bonneville Power Administration said no employees were assigned to the substation at the time, though an operator at the station witnessed the fire and reported it to the Gresham Fire Department.

The City of Troutdale warned residents that fire crews were on scene. The fire department later said no injuries had been reported and that crews would monitor the site until the transformer could be de-energised and safely extinguished.

Contributing factors

The source attributes the explosion to a transformer failure. No further cause is reported.

Lessons learned

1. Even where no employees are assigned to a substation, someone on site may be the first to see a fire, so reporting routes to the fire service need to be clear.
2. Crews may have to wait until a transformer is de-energised before it can be extinguished safely.
3. Smoke from a substation fire can be seen from nearby roads and prompt public warnings.

Source

kptv.com