*** - Dramatic transformer fire causes power outage - Turramurra
Published: 07 May 2025 02:33pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a dramatic high-voltage transformer fire that's led to a power outage at Turramurra, on Sydney's upper north shore.
Around 6.30 last night, FRNSW crews responded to more than 20 Triple Zero (000) calls reporting an explosion and an intense fire in the electrical transformer on Bannockburn Road.
The first arriving firefighters were confronted by an intense blaze threatening to spread to an adjoining power pole and overhead wires.
Firefighters established a safety zone and combatted the fire, using thick hose sprays from a distance, due to the risk posed by 11,000 volts of live electricity.
They extinguished the power pole that had caught fire, preventing it from reigniting, and protected the overhead wires.
It took six fire trucks and 22 firefighters around 30 minutes to contain the fire, which cut electricity to more than 100 homes.
Once power was cut, the crews moved in to achieve complete extinguishment and cool the oil, held in the transformer as a cooling agent.
There was no spill of that oil and no injuries were reported during the hour-long operation.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by energy officials and NSW Police.
One possibility is a vehicle may have struck the roadside transformer, pushing it off its mounts and causing an internal short circuit.
Media note - Footage provided by an onlooker to FRNSW and grabs of Supt Adam Dewberry are available here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1082027077/6befd3789e [external link]
Updated: 07 May 2025 12:38pm
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