Three Underground Transformer Fires In Downtown Dallas In Two Weeks

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DALLAS (CBS11) - Oncor says it's investigating the third underground transformer fire in downtown Dallas in nearly two weeks.

Sean Clancy says as he left his condo Wednesday morning to take his dogs out for a walk, the power went out. "It was an inconvenience we all went through this morning."

He quickly saw crews responding to the underground transformer that was arcing on Wood Street between Field and Griffin Streets. "Luckily, the coffee is on an early morning timer so it went out for about 45 minutes and then it went back on."

It was a similar story for Natalie Elliott. "It kind of threw off my entire day because I couldn't have a proper breakfast so I kind of had to go to work hungry."

This is the third fire of an underground transformer since October 23rd.

Elliott says, "I didn't realize that."

No injuries or major damages in the three incidents, but in the past, some transformers have exploded sparked big flames.

One fire happened in an underground transformer at the Joule Hotel on Main Street in December, 2013.

An Oncor representative, Jeamy Molina, says they try to keep this from happening. "We're investigating what is going on, but our crews maintain and go out and look at all of our systems on a regular basis so if there's an issue, we're going to find it and take care of it."

She says their downtown network is reliable and safe.

Clancy says, "A lot of pedestrians, so it is a concern. It's larger than just a fuse box. It's certainly a concern of residents, visitors, and local businesses."

He wants to know what caused all three fires.

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