Authorities expect a blaze at an electrical substation south of Sydney to burn for days after 100,000 litres of oil caught fire and triggered explosions on Saturday.
The fire at the Dapto substation caused delays at Shellharbour Airport, said Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry, grounding planes as thick clouds of black smoke belched into the atmosphere.
Sixty firefighters waited several hours for the site’s electricity to be shut off as they prepared to fight the blaze.
Dewberry said it was a delicate operation and firefighters were working strategically to bring the fire under control.
“We need to make sure we’ve got a few things in place before we start applying foam and water,” he said. “The 330,000 volts around us at site does make it a bit hard. It just adds that complexity.
“We’re working with TransGrid technicians, hazardous materials response technicians and the EPA to make sure that when we put this plan in place, it’s an effective and safe plan for everyone and the environment.”
Transgrid confirmed electricity supply to the surrounding area would not be affected.
“One of the redundant transformers at Dapto substation has mechanically failed, resulting in a contained oil fire,” a Transgrid spokesperson said.
Energy Australia said the fire, which started about 3pm, resulted in the nearby Tallawarra Power Station being taken offline for about two hours, but the station was back online ahead of the evening energy peak.
No one was injured in the fire.
Police advised residents to stay inside and close their doors and windows as smoke moved across Wollongong and Unanderra. Transgrid said the smoke was not toxic.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said it was a “very dangerous operation”.
A second transformer was at risk of catching fire and high-voltage powerlines were damaged in the blaze, but Dewberry said that by 6.30pm the fire had reduced in intensity as the oil burned off.
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2022-06-18 07:36:28Z
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