Transformer fire at TenneT substation in Ludwigsau-Mecklar, Germany

What happened

Around 03:25 a large free-standing transformer at the TenneT substation near Ludwigsau-Mecklar in Kreis Hersfeld-Rotenburg caught fire, with flames visible from a distance. The site lies directly beside the B27 federal road. Volunteer fire brigades from Ludwigsau and nearby districts were alerted but could not enter until a TenneT service technician arrived and isolated the power supply, more than an hour later. Oil escaping from the transformer fed the fire and produced a large black smoke plume.

Extinguishing began at 05:14 and the fire was out by 05:48, using heavy foam because the hydrants were insufficient and water had to be relayed over a long hose line. Residents were warned by radio to keep windows and doors closed. Air measurements found no pollutants. TenneT said the compensation coil may have been damaged and that the transformer itself was probably not. The cause of the fire had not been determined at the time of reporting.

Contributing factors

Fire crews were kept outside the locked site until a company representative arrived, which delayed firefighting. Underground hydrants gave insufficient water. The fire was fed by oil released from the transformer. The cause of the fire had not been determined at the time of reporting.

Lessons learned

1. Operators of remote or locked substations should ensure a keyholder or on-call technician can reach the site and isolate power quickly at any hour, so that fire crews are not kept waiting at the gate.
2. Operators and fire services should agree access, isolation and communication procedures in advance and rehearse them with local brigades.
3. Oil-filled transformers need an adequate dedicated water supply and foam stock, and spill containment should be confirmed in the emergency plan.

More lessons on fire suppression and firefighting, worker safety and safe systems of work, from every incident on the register.

Source

osthessen-news.de