Transformer fire at substation near Brayton emits black smoke

What happened

A fire broke out at an electrical substation on Canyonleigh Road near Brayton, New South Wales, producing a large cloud of black smoke. Rural Fire Service crews from the Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands arrived at about 10am on Sunday 9 October 2022, with Goulburn and Bowral Fire and Rescue teams and NSW SES volunteers assisting. The report states that a transformer at the substation was well alight. The report states that a flooded causeway made the fire inaccessible, so crews could not reach the substation immediately.

Crews said they intended to monitor the fire because it was electrical, and they were likely to remain at the scene until the following day while access issues were resolved. The report said there were no residents close to the fire and no forecast of high winds. The cause was under investigation at the time of reporting. The report does not state the outcome, the extent of damage or any effect on power supply.

Contributing factors

The report states that a flooded causeway made the site inaccessible, delaying crews. The cause of the transformer fire was not reported and remained under investigation.

Lessons learned

1. Confirm that access routes to remote electrical sites remain passable during flood conditions, as flooded causeways can delay emergency response.
2. Where a transformer fire cannot be reached or extinguished safely, fire crews may monitor it until the equipment is isolated, while keeping the area clear.
3. Site operators should agree access, isolation and monitoring arrangements with local fire and emergency services for remote electrical sites.

More lessons on weather and external hazards, detection and monitoring, from every incident on the register.

Source

goulburnpost.com.au