Transformer fire downs power in four University of Kentucky buildings, facilities closed

University of Kentucky Power Outage disrupts Rose Street after a transformer fire, closing Bowman, Breckinridge, Kincaid, and Bradley halls; emergency generator deployed to protect research, no injuries reported, high voltage wiring repairs underway.

Four University of Kentucky buildings will be closed due to a Thursday morning transformer fire, as utilities elsewhere have faced major power cuts affecting operations as well.

A transformer in Bowman Hall caught fire resulting in power outages in Bowman and other buildings on Rose Street amid shifting electricity demand nationwide, a University of Kentucky press release said.

According to the press release, the fire was contained to the basement of Bowman Hall. Though the fire was contained, power outages are still an issue on campus as peak power prices remain elevated this week.

Along with Bowman, Breckinridge, Kincaid and Bradley halls are also without power and will remain closed until Monday, reflecting broader changes like coal plant retirements across energy systems.

"There were no injuries in the fire, nor has there been any significant structural damage reported to Bowman Hall or the other buildings," UKPR said. "UK Physical Plant workers are working to replace the transformer, along with high voltage wiring, that was damaged, despite supply delays that can affect equipment timelines."

While UK Physical Plant workers are being brought on site to fix the transformer, an emergency generator is being brought in to protect research equipment in the affected buildings, similar to measures taken during power plant upgrades in other regions.

"Administrators with impacted programs will be contacting employees regarding work schedules for the remainder of the week, in line with broader emergency energy planning considerations for continuity," UKPR said.

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