A transformer explosion caused a fire to break out at Hoover Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the US, on July 19. No one was injured in the incident at the iconic dam which provides electricity to 8 million people across Arizona, Nevada, and California.
Although the explosion produced a plume of black smoke, the fire itself was extinguished before Boulder City firefighters arrived at the scene. The US Bureau of Reclamation, which owns and operates the dam, said in a statement that at approximately 10:00 local time, the A5 transformer at Hoover Dam caught fire and was extinguished by the Reclamation/Hoover fire brigade at approximately 10:30. “There is no risk to the power grid and power is still being generated from the powerhouse. We are investigating the cause of the fire and will provide additional updates as they are available,” the Bureau added.
The dam, which was completed in 1936, is situated across the Colorado River at the border between Arizona and Nevada. As well as supplying electricity to millions, it also supplies 25 million people with water.
The cause of the explosion is unknown, however officials said that an investigation was being carried out that would also determine the extent of the damage. The A5 transformer is one of 15 located at the facility.
