News Summary
A significant transformer fire at the Pepco power plant in Washington D.C. caused panic with dark smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters responded quickly, controlling the fire by evening. Although there were evacuations and road closures, no injuries were reported. The incident, attributed to a blown transformer, also resulted in a substantial oil spill, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures around energy facilities.
Washington D.C. experienced a significant disruption on Wednesday afternoon as a large transformer caught fire at the Pepco power plant located in the 3400 block of Benning Road NE. The incident generated dark smoke that was visible from miles away, prompting immediate responses from emergency services and causing evacuations in the vicinity.
The cause of the fire was identified as a blown transformer, which led to a substantial oil spill on the grounds of the power facility. Emergency officials reported that no injuries occurred due to the blaze. As a precaution, an adjacent building was evacuated to ensure the safety of the occupants.
Firefighters from D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) swiftly responded to the incident and worked diligently to extinguish the fire. The flames were brought under control by approximately 7 p.m. on the same day. In addition to combating the fire, foam units and a hazmat unit were deployed to the scene to effectively de-energize the area and mitigate any further hazards associated with the oil spill.
In response to the fire, several road closures were implemented around the Pepco plant. Both the northbound and southbound ramps of Interstate 295 to Benning Road NE were closed, alongside the closure of Benning Road NE from Minnesota Avenue to 34th Street NE. These measures were taken to facilitate emergency response efforts and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported that a total of 148 customers experienced power outages in D.C. around 4:25 p.m. However, it was noted that most of these outages were located in the Navy Yard area and were not directly linked to the fire at the Pepco facility. DCFEMS personnel continued to monitor the site after the flames were extinguished, assisting investigators in determining the exact cause of the fire.
By 7 p.m., all road closures related to the incident were cleared, allowing normal traffic flow to resume. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transformer fire to prevent future incidents.
This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in managing energy facilities and ensuring community safety. With effective emergency response strategies, no injuries were reported, underscoring the readiness and professionalism of local emergency services.
Residents in the surrounding areas are advised to stay informed about safety measures and to adhere to any instructions provided by local authorities in the event of similar incidents.
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Additional Resources
- WJLA News
- Wikipedia: Transformer Fire
- NBC Washington
- Google Search: Pepco transformer fire
- WUSA9
- Google Scholar: Pepco fire
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Power Plant Fire
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
