Hydro vault explosion shoots six-storey flames into the sky
Posted July 28, 2018 7:28 am.
Last Updated July 28, 2018 5:26 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ontario Hydro says it has now gained access to determine the damage sustained at its Finch Transmission Station following a spectacular overnight fire that has left thousands without power in North York.
Toronto police say they were called to the area of Finch Avenue West and Signet Drive just after midnight following reports of six-storey flames and several small explosions coming from the transmission station.
A thick cloud of smoke and the rancid smell of burning electrical oil hung in the air as fire crews were actively spraying down the transformers throughout the morning to try and keep the mineral oil contained within the outer casing of the transformer cool so that it didn’t catch fire again and explode.
At the height of the disruption, Toronto Hydro said as many as 35,000 customers were without power.
Toronto Hydro says it’s uncertain when the remaining customers will be brought back online as they need to wait for Ontario Hydro’s assessment of the necessary repairs needed to the station. It’s believed repairs could take several days, however, Toronto Hydro hopes to re-route power in order to bring all remaining customers back online.
