Transformer explosion causes fires, power outages in Georgetown

Halton homes damaged after transformer explosion Crews had been working on a hydro pole when the explosion occurred, sending out an electrical surge to a number of homes in the area.

A transformer explosion triggered a power surge in the Georgetown area on Thursday, sparking fires and knocking out power to some homes.

Halton Fire Chief Harry Olivieri said calls from residents started pouring in around 9:45 a.m.

“We received 28 calls for service ranging from calls of fire to odor investigations, smells of smoke,” he told CTV News Toronto.

“We responded to all of those calls methodically to make sure there were no injuries.”

Of the 28 calls, Olivieri said two were for fires at homes on Ballantine Drive and Lookout Court.

“They are now both out and we are continuing to investigate the cause,” he said. “Our prime importance here today is to make sure that our community remains safe.”

No injuries have been reported.

Aislin O’Hara, who lives on Lookout Court, said she was working from home when the power suddenly went out. She went outside to investigate and realized that a number of her neighbours were also without power.

“My neighbour, she said, ‘I think there might have been a power surge, but I’m smelling smoke in my home,’” O’Hara told CP24.

Within minutes, firefighters were on scene. That’s when she noticed “very thick black smoke" billowing from the back of a home about four doors down.

She said she watched as the dark smoke drifted out the front doors.

“There was no one home at the time. We believe there is one resident that lives in that home, however they were not home,” she said. “We’re a very small community here and to pull onto the street and see the disaster that’s taken place because of one single fire…”

While electricity has been restored, residents who lost power being advised to turn or keep their circuit breaker off until it can be properly inspected.

“If you have a power outage in your home, do not reset the breaker, call an electrician and have them investigate to make sure your electrical panel is in good shape before turning that power back on,” Olivieri said.

The Toronto Premium Outlets Mall was also evacuated as a precaution due to reports of smoke. Police said all occupants got out safely. Normal operations have since resumed.