#106 Electricity Facility Fires
The first rule at electrical facility fires is NEVER enter a substation or approach electrical facilities until a local utility company representative indicates it is safe to do so. Substations carry hazardous materials such as asbestos and PCB’s and have electric equipment that may contain large quantities of oil or natural gas. A large quantity of oil in failing electrical equipment can cause a BLEVE. Treat a fire in a substation as a delayed bomb. Explosions can be powerful enough to project steel and other equipment at great distances.
The Local Utility personnel will respond and make the facility safe for the fire department to use conventional fire fighting techniques. Until then, it’s best that fire personnel stand by, secure the area and wait. Attempting to rush in and extinguish fires involving electrical facilities can be deadly.
In the book Fireground Operational Guides, we provide a complete list of actions to take at Electrical Facility fires, as well as other electrical emergencies including Downed Power Lines, Downed Lines on Occupied Vehicles, Underground Manhole Fires, Pole Mounted Transformer Emergencies, Basic Electrical Emergencies and more.
Frank Viscuso is a career deputy chief from Hudson County, NJ, one of the most densely populated counties in the country. He is a contributor to Fire Engineering magazine and the author of five books including the best-selling tactical textbook Fireground Operational Guides (with Mike Terpak), and his popular leadership development book titled Step Up and Lead. Frank is also a certified fire instructor and highly sought after speaker. Over the past decade he has spoken to audiences in and outside the fire service on many topics that include leadership, team building, officer development, and customer service. His Leadership Development program is designed to introduce people to the top traits associated with fire service leaders and to equip them with the skills needed to lead, inspire, and motivate their teams. These traits and skills are featured in his book, Step Up and Lead.
Frank resides in New Jersey and can be reached by cell: (973) 981-1505, email: frank@commonvalor.com, or through the website www.frankviscuso.com.