Last evening, around 7:15PM, the Fort Worth Fire Department responded to a reported “explosion” at an electrical substation located at Seventeen Lakes Boulevard and Henrietta Creek Road. This is on the very far north side of Fort Worth.

When crews arrived, they saw heavy fire and a large plume of smoke coming from the substation. Roanoke, TX Fire Department and Saginaw Texas Fire Department provided mutual aid for the incident.

This was not an average structure fire where firefighters arrive and make an attack to extinguish the flames. This fire required a collaboration between Oncor and the Fire personnel on scene to determine what the best course of tactical action would be for the safety of the residents and the first responders. Every action had a reaction that was compounded with the fast approaching winter storm into the area.

As discussions took place to determine whether to extinguish the fire or let it burn (controlled) itself out overnight, the FWFD HazMat crews monitored the air quality around the scene. The readings found no reason for concern (and were continuously checked).

After weighing the pros and cons of each course of action the decision was made in partnership with Oncor engineers to extinguish the fire to bring the incident to a close as quickly and safely as possible. As a wintry mix made its way towards the Metroplex, a massive power outage was not an option. And thankfully, the handful of residents and businesses in the area that initially lost power had it restored quickly. No other customers were affected.

Crews worked in freezing temperatures through the night and well into the morning hours to make sure the fire was completely out and the scene was rendered safe. There were no reported injuries and the cause is under investigation.

Stay safe, #FortWorth.