MANSFIELD — No one was injured Friday in an industrial electrical fire at the Cleveland-Cliffs steel making facility at 913 Bowman St.
Mansfield firefighters were dispatched at 6:53 p.m., according to the incident report, and were on the scene for more than an hour.
“Crews worked alongside plant personnel to safely mitigate the incident and ensure the safety of employees and responders. Operations were conducted in sub-zero temperatures, adding to the complexity of the response,” the MFD said in a social media post.
Fire crews were initially directed to the wrong side of the structure, according to the incident report.
“Engine 3 later located the fire on the A side of the building, with entry at the A-D corner. Firefighters were led to a large 68,000-volt transformer that was actively burning,” the report said. “Workers had attempted to extinguish the fire using 15- to 20-pound dry chemical extinguishers without success.”
Fire crews confirmed power had been cut to the unit.
Firefighters then used a 30-pound dry chemical extinguisher to knock down the flames and a 1.75-inch handline to complete extinguishment and cool the transformer until the oil stopped burning.
About 200 gallons of water were used before the fire was fully thwarted. Ventilation was performed and all hot spots were extinguished, according to the report.
The report said it appears the fire began in the lower portion of the unit and was fueled by oil dripping from the transformer, allowing the flames to spread to nearby electronics and wire insulation.
Fire personnel contained the blaze to the transformer and electrical room.
Crews worked with engineering staff to confirm the area was safe for cleanup once the equipment cooled. The transformer and room were monitored until cleanup began.
“We appreciate the cooperation of Cleveland-Cliffs staff and the dedication of our firefighters who continue to serve the community in all conditions,” the MFD said.
(Below is a PDF with the Mansfield Fire Department incident report from the fire Friday night.)