Transformer fire knocks out power in New Fairfield, Connecticut
July 2020Published 6 Nov 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
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What happened
On the morning of Friday 31 July 2020, a transformer on a utility pole at the junction of Gillotti Road and Titicus Mountain Road in New Fairfield, Connecticut, caught fire. Police were already at the scene when firefighters were called at about 7:40 a.m. Firefighters arrived at 7:51 a.m. and reported that the fire appeared to be out and that no wires were down. The transformer continued to smoulder and occasionally shot out flames.
Firefighters could not act until the utility shut off power to the pole, so they stayed on scene until the utility arrived shortly before 8:20 a.m. Some residents lost power. All power was reported restored by 12:45 p.m. The article reports no injuries.
Contributing factors
Not reported. The source does not state what caused the transformer to catch fire.
Lessons learned
- Utility-pole transformers need a clear, rapid isolation route so responders can make the equipment safe quickly, since firefighters waited for the utility to de-energise the pole.
- Operators and responders should confirm that equipment is isolated and that no wires are down before crews stand down, because a smouldering transformer can flare again.
- Where possible, notifying the network operator at the first call may reduce the time fire crews spend on scene waiting for the asset to be made safe.
More lessons on fire suppression and firefighting, electrical protection and isolation, from every incident on the register.
Source
Published 2026-11-06. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
