A fire that started at a single transformer in an Arizona Public Service
substation
around 7 P.M., July 4, 2004, spread to another 3 transformers, and a fifth was in danger of
igniting while the fire was allowed to burn for 3 days. As can be seen in the pre-fire condition,
the transformers were situated on a clay foundation, which allowed for pooling of burning oil -
resulting in the fire spreading to the other transformers. It remains to be seen as to whether
(1) a crushed rock foundation would have contained/limited the spread of the burning oil; and
(2) immediate use of dry chemical firefighting methods would have quickly put out the fire and
limited the fire to the first/second transformer(s) - potentially saving a large part of the
~$8 million loss for the 4 transformers - not including the loss of power to the electrical grid
until replacement equipment can be installed. Peoria Fire says the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Homeland Security are involved
in the investigation into how the fire started because it happened on Independence Day...
Transformers Prior to Fire
Start of 1st Transformer Fire
Fire Then Spread to Another 3 Transformers
Burned Conductors
see also
Fire & Safety Sections
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