SMOKE FROM EARLY AFTERNOON FIRE AT BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION SUBSTATION IN HILLSBORO FILLS THE SKY BEFORE BEING SAFELY EXTINGUISHED (PHOTO)
News Release from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue
Posted on FlashAlert: March 6th, 2015 7:56 PM
Hillsboro, Oregon -At approximately 12:45 today, the Hillsboro Fire Department was dispatched to a fire at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Keeler Substation on Evergreen Rd.
Upon arrival, Hillsboro Fire Engine #3, found heavy black smoke and flames coming from a voltage control device located well inside the substation. The fire was burning freely and contained to the voltage control device.
Following pre determined response plans, Hillsboro Fire command staff worked with BPA personnel to develop the appropriate response. It was quickly determined that mineral oil surrounding the control device, as insulation, had ignited.
Often in situations such as this, the fire is allowed to burn itself out. Due to the heavy smoke being generated and understanding that as the atmosphere cooled the smoke would begin to settle closer to the ground, a plan was made to extinguish the fire.
Washington County Public Health and local health care providers were contacted as a precaution in the event that the smoke began to settle before the fire was extinguished. The smoke from the fire did not present health risks beyond those for individuals with asthma or other respiratory ailments who should avoid all kinds of smoke.
After much preparation from BPA personnel to make the scene safe by diverting electricity from the area of the fire, Hillsboro Fire along with the Port of Portland Airport Fire Rescue "foam truck" began their fire attack. By 6:00pm the fire was under control.
One firefighter received minor injuries while working to extinguish the fire. Both BPA and Hillsboro Fire Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
BPA was able to quickly isolate the problem and no service to customers has been interrupted.
BPA is confident that the oil will not be dispersed beyond the substation grounds and will now begin cleanup work at the site.
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Photo caption: Black smoke and flames from burning voltage control device
Upon arrival, Hillsboro Fire Engine #3, found heavy black smoke and flames coming from a voltage control device located well inside the substation. The fire was burning freely and contained to the voltage control device.
Following pre determined response plans, Hillsboro Fire command staff worked with BPA personnel to develop the appropriate response. It was quickly determined that mineral oil surrounding the control device, as insulation, had ignited.
Often in situations such as this, the fire is allowed to burn itself out. Due to the heavy smoke being generated and understanding that as the atmosphere cooled the smoke would begin to settle closer to the ground, a plan was made to extinguish the fire.
Washington County Public Health and local health care providers were contacted as a precaution in the event that the smoke began to settle before the fire was extinguished. The smoke from the fire did not present health risks beyond those for individuals with asthma or other respiratory ailments who should avoid all kinds of smoke.
After much preparation from BPA personnel to make the scene safe by diverting electricity from the area of the fire, Hillsboro Fire along with the Port of Portland Airport Fire Rescue "foam truck" began their fire attack. By 6:00pm the fire was under control.
One firefighter received minor injuries while working to extinguish the fire. Both BPA and Hillsboro Fire Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
BPA was able to quickly isolate the problem and no service to customers has been interrupted.
BPA is confident that the oil will not be dispersed beyond the substation grounds and will now begin cleanup work at the site.
-30-
Photo caption: Black smoke and flames from burning voltage control device
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