Transformer failure sparks fire at Providence power station

What happened

On a Saturday around noon in late June 2019, a fire broke out at the Manchester Street Power Station in Providence. The blaze sent thick black smoke over the city and snarled traffic on Route 195, as motorists stopped to take photographs. According to a post on the Providence Public Safety Department's Twitter account, the fire started when one transformer failed. No injuries were reported. Shortly before 1 p.m., the department said the fire was nearly extinguished, and Point Street was closed at that time. The source does not describe the extent of damage to the plant or how long the road closures lasted.

Contributing factors

The source attributes the fire to the failure of one transformer. It does not report any further cause or contributing condition.

Lessons learned

1. Transformer failures can start fires that send large smoke plumes over built-up areas, so fire detection, containment and suppression systems at substations and power stations should be tested and maintained.
2. A fire at an energy site can disrupt nearby roads and public life, so operators should coordinate early with traffic authorities and emergency services.
3. Official updates through clear channels, such as a public safety department's social media, help limit speculation and let the public avoid affected areas.

More lessons on detection and monitoring, emergency response and public communication, from every incident on the register.

Source

providencejournal.com