Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

School Hill, Shortlanesend, near Truro at 15/02/2008 08:10

At 0810hrs the first of many 999 calls was received in Fire Control reporting an explosion and fire, with large amounts of black smoke rising from an electrical sub-station.

Initially, two fire appliances from Truro were mobilised. The crews reported that they could see the fire as they left the fire station. On arrival a further two fire appliances were requested. These came from Perranporth and Newquay.

The fire involved a large 132,000 volt transformer containing oil, that was well alight. A bulk supply of foam was requested, which was sent from Falmouth.

Crews worked with Western Power engineers to minimise any effect of the fire on members of the public and the environment. This resulted in roads in the vicinity being closed and a representative from the Environment Agency attending the scene.

The fire crews made preparations to attack the fire using foam, whilst electrical engineers prepared to divert power from other electrical sub-stations. This would allow the power at the blazing sub-station to be isolated without the loss of electricity to consumers.

At 1245hrs the power had been isolated and a Safe to Work Permit was issued to allow the firefighters to commence the foam attack.

By 1400hrs it was reported that the foam attack had been successful and that the fire had been extinguished.

Crews remained at the scene for a further two hours, making up their equipment, monitoring the site and dealing with a further fire in a cable duct.