Transformer fire at Gopalapatnam substation in Visakhapatnam

What happened

In the early hours of Thursday 27 May 2021, a major fire broke out at the electrical transformer at the Gopalapatnam substation in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India. Thick smoke and fumes rose from the site, and local residents alerted the fire department. A fire crew with three vehicles reached the substation at around 3:30 AM and worked until about 5 AM to bring the fire under control. Oil within the substation was burning, which made the fire difficult to control, and the crew took steps to make sure other substations were in a safe condition.

No casualties were reported at the time. Officials had not yet established the exact cause or the extent of damage to the substation. The fire was described as the second major accident in the city that week.

Contributing factors

According to the district fire officer, the previous day was said to be the hottest day, recording 42 degrees Celsius. Excess load on the transformer was said to affect the movement of oil inside it, causing overheating that might lead to an explosion. These were offered as possible reasons only, and officials had not confirmed the exact cause. Such fires were said to occur during summer high temperatures and excess transformer load.

Lessons learned

1. Monitor transformer loading and oil temperature during heatwaves, and act before loads exceed rated limits.
2. Maintain transformer oil condition and cooling systems, and check them before the hot season.
3. Keep adequate spacing and firefighting access around transformers so that a fire does not spread to neighbouring substation equipment.

More lessons on weather and external hazards, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Source

yovizag.com