Fire engulfs electricity transformer near Al-Basatin police station, Cairo

What happened

Civil Protection crews in Cairo brought under control a large fire that broke out inside an electricity transformer in the Al-Basatin police district. Preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical short circuit inside the transformer started the fire near Madinet El Zohour and the Al-Basatin police station. The source reports that the transformer caught fire fully. The fire was reported to be close to a petrol station. A notification was received by Civil Protection in Cairo about a fire near the petrol station, and five fire engines were dispatched immediately. Crews controlled the fire before it could spread, and no injuries were reported. A report was drawn up on the incident.

Contributing factors

Preliminary investigations attributed the fire to an electrical short circuit inside the transformer. The source does not state the transformer's age, maintenance history or protection arrangements.

Lessons learned

1. Transformers installed close to fuel retail sites, police stations or other public buildings need defined separation distances and clear fire-protection arrangements.
2. Fire services should be told of the nearby hazard, such as a petrol station, so that the response can prioritise exposure protection.
3. Operators of distribution transformers should inspect for insulation deterioration, loose connections and oil leaks, since internal short circuits can lead to total loss of the unit.

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

Source

mwlana.com