Blast starts fire at Ryeford substation in Stonehouse causing power cuts
2018Published 6 Oct 2026
Estimated damage ModelledFigure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidencesupply cut for •• daysSee the figure: 14 days freeFull estimateHow? Know the real figure?
Companies named in this entry: Western Power
What happened
On 23 January 2018 a small blast was followed by fire and smoke at an electricity substation on the Ryeford Industrial Estate in Stonehouse. The fire service attended and extinguished the fire. Western Power attended to restore supply. Power cuts affected traffic lights on the Ebley bypass and parts of Stroud and Stonehouse.
Contributing factors
Not reported.
Lessons learned
- Operators should record the failed component and its condition history after any explosion or fire in a substation.
- Substations near roads and homes should have adequate fire separation and access for emergency services.
- Operators should inform affected customers promptly about the incident and expected restoration time.
Published 2026-10-06. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.