Explosion and fire at electricity substation in Stalybridge
Dec 2023Published 20 Oct 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
Get the next one by email
Free alerts on grid infrastructure incidents in the United Kingdom, and an email when EIR-2489 is updated. No account needed; unsubscribe in one click.
Get a free sample brief Three complete verified records and the incidents-per-GW table, by email within a minute.
We will also email you about the register's paid records and plans, at most once a month. You can stop these at any time. By signing up you agree to the privacy policy.
Companies named in this entry: Electricity North West
What happened
On Wednesday 13 December 2023, emergency services were called to a reported explosion at an electricity substation in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said three fire engines from Stalybridge, Ashton-under-Lyne and Mossley fire stations were sent at around 8.50am to a fire involving the substation. The press report placed the incident on Clarence Street, while the fire service statement gave Bayley Street, so the exact location is not confirmed.
Crews worked with Electricity North West and Greater Manchester Police to make the scene safe and remained in attendance. A cordon was set up and members of the public were advised to avoid the area. The source does not report injuries, the cause of the fire or the extent of damage to the equipment.
Contributing factors
Not reported.
Lessons learned
- Substation fires can require a cordon around the site, so operators should agree early with the emergency services how the cordon is set and how the public is kept informed.
- Network operators should keep clear records of substation locations and access points so that responders can reach the correct site quickly.
- Where a fire involves high-voltage equipment, isolation by the network operator should precede firefighting and recovery work, with crews kept clear until the scene is confirmed safe.
More lessons on emergency response and public communication, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.
Published 2026-10-20. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
