Hydro fire cuts East York power

subscribe

Power has been restored to 3,000 homes after a fire at a hydro substation left the surrounding East York community without electricity the morning of December 16.

The fire broke out just before 2 a.m. on Fairside Ave., in the Coxwell Ave. and Mortimer Ave. area.

Although the fire escalated quickly, crews had it extinguished in about 30 minutes, said Toronto police Acting Staff Sgt. Bruce Newman.

The flames shot above local rooftops, but didn't spread to other structures in the area. Streets in the block around the substation were closed while about 50 firefighters doused the flames.

Fire crews, police and Toronto Hydro investigated the blaze. Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, but "they'll take a look and see if it was a transformer that set fire," Newman said.

"With this kind of weather transformers don't like it when it goes from hot to cold and there is a condensation build up."

Something connected to the transformer caught fire said Toronto District Fire Chief Stefan Powell. "Cooling oil from the transformer was burning and made the fire very hot."

The fire caused a power outage that spanned several blocks, from Linsmore Cres. to Woodbine Ave. and O'Connor Dr. to Mortimer.

Toronto Hydro had power restored to a majority of the homes by 6 a.m., but about 300 customers are still without power, said Thelma Hatzis, spokesperson for Toronto Hydro.

There were no injuries reported. The Toronto East General Hospital on Coxwell did not lose power, Hatzis said.

Related News

company-becomes-uk-second-largest-electricity-operator

Company Becomes UK's Second-Largest Electricity Operator

UK - In a significant shift within the UK’s energy sector, a major company has recently ascended to become the second-largest electricity networks operator in the country. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the industry, reflecting ongoing changes and competitive dynamics in the energy landscape. The company's ascent underscores its growing influence and its role in shaping the future of energy distribution across the UK.

The company, whose identity is a result of strategic acquisitions and operational expansions, now holds a substantial position within the electricity networks sector. This new ranking is the result of a series of investments…

READ MORE
alberta breaks record for electricity consumption

Alberta breaks summer electricity record, still far short of capacity

READ MORE

European gas prices fall to pre-Ukraine war level

READ MORE

canada-faces-critical-crunch-electrical-supply

Canada Faces Critical Crunch in Electrical Supply

READ MORE

hvdc

Project examines potential for Europe's power grid to increase HVDC Technology

READ MORE