June 19, 2012
California

Transformer fire at site of new Powerlink in Alpine

By Miriam Raftery | East County Magazine | eastcountymagazine.org 18 June 2012

A transformer fire broke out this afternoon at the site of the new Sunrise Powerlink, where the high voltage line had just been energized, Incident Page Network reports.

“I can confirm that two transformers are on fire,” said Lori Bledsoe, editor at The Alpine Sun. The transformers are taking power from the underground portion of the Powerlink and transferring the electricity into overhead lines, she added.

Bledsoe provided a photo showing the burning transformers, taken by a passerby. The incident was reported in the 4000 block of Alpine Blvd. in the vicinity of Star Valley Road.

Freelance photographer Greg Torkelson was also at the scene. He has stated that SDG&E tried to stop him from taking photos, until he moved onto property nearby not owned by SDG&E. View his video of SDG&E attempting to stop photography of their equipment burning:

Firefighters provided structure protection, according to IPN.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/19/transformer-fire-at-site-of-new-powerlink-in-alpine/