Transformer fire at NV Energy substation cuts power to about 4,200 customers in south Las Vegas

What happened

At about 5:50 a.m. on Monday 8 May 2017, a transformer at an NV Energy substation at the corner of East Frias Avenue and Giles Street, near the South Point in south Las Vegas, burst into flames, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which cited Metropolitan Police Department information. NV Energy crews de-energised the transformer, after which firefighters were able to pour water on the fire and extinguish it. Police attended to assist with road closures.

The fire initially left about 4,200 NV Energy customers, including the South Point, without power in the south valley. Power had been restored to all but a few dozen customers by 8:30 a.m. Schools in the area had full power by 8 a.m., and none were evacuated.

Contributing factors

The source does not report the cause of the transformer fire.

Lessons learned

1. Transformers that fail with fire risk should be de-energised quickly and remotely where possible, so firefighters can work safely and damage is limited.
2. Operators should pre-plan road closures and public communications with local police and fire services for substation fires that affect large numbers of customers.
3. Substation restoration plans should prioritise critical customers, such as schools and major facilities, and allow rapid switching to restore supply to the rest of the network.

More lessons on fire suppression and firefighting, outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.

Source

reviewjournal.com