Transformer fire reported at a substation near Three Mile Island

What happened

LancasterOnline reported an early Sunday fire near the now-inactive Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. The fire damaged a large transformer at a nearby substation and, according to Three Mile Island stakeholders, did not threaten radioactive facilities. They said the fire was across the street from the island, near a former power plant training centre off Route 441. The headline says the transformer was destroyed; the article text says it was damaged.

At least one resident reported hearing what sounded like an explosion. A photo caption places the nuclear station along Route 441 in Middletown. The report does not name the substation operator, give the cause, say whether anyone was hurt, or state the exact date. The article was published on 22 December 2020.

Contributing factors

Not reported. The source does not give the cause of the fire or of the transformer damage.

Lessons learned

1. After a transformer fire near a sensitive site, operators should confirm quickly whether the nearby facility was affected and say so plainly.
2. Residents who hear an explosion-like noise need a clear public update on what failed and what risk remains.
3. A failed large transformer should be isolated while the cause is still unknown, and supply restored by other means if needed.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, electrical protection and isolation, from every incident on the register.

Source

lancasteronline.com