Birds cause transformer fire at Qaha substation in Egypt

2026Published 20 Oct 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorElectrical

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What happened

Civil protection crews in Qalyubia governorate brought under control a limited fire that broke out at a transformer inside the Qaha substation, which is on the agricultural road in the Qaha police district. The report was published on 20 October 2026. Three fire engines were deployed to secure the site and prevent the flames spreading to nearby parts of the installation. According to the findings of the inspection, two birds landed on cables inside the electrical field of the substation, were electrocuted, and set part of an 11/66/220 kV transformer alight.

The site's automatic fire suppression system extinguished the flames and prevented their spread. No injuries or deaths were reported. A police report was drawn up, and the public prosecution is investigating the circumstances.

Contributing factors

The source attributes the ignition to two birds perching on energised cables inside the substation, which caused electrocution and the ignition of part of the transformer. No other contributing factors are reported.

Lessons learned

Operators of outdoor high-voltage substations should assess bird contact risks and fit insulation covers, guards or perch deterrents on exposed cables and connections.
Automatic fire suppression systems on transformers should be routinely tested and maintained, as they limited damage in this case.
Wildlife contact should be included in risk assessments for rural substations located near farmland and open areas.

More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Source

akhbarelyom.com

Published 2026-10-20. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Grid infrastructure incidents in Egypt, by year, free with a credit (PNG).

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