Planck Vision Systems: Fire at Doonside Substation Leaves Thousands Without Power, $1.5 Million in Damages

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NEWS

On the night of November 25, 2024, a major fire erupted at the Doonside electricity substation, causing a widespread power outage in the surrounding regions of Amanzimtoti and Kingsburgh. The incident occurred around 22:30, with a massive explosion that caught the attention of local residents. According to a video shared by one of the residents, the fire was immediately visible and quickly spread through the substation.

Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, confirmed that the fire began in the main distributor of the substation, which is responsible for distributing electricity to the surrounding areas. The explosion and subsequent fire left the entire region without power, affecting thousands of households and businesses.

In response to the disaster, both the fire department and the electricity department mobilized quickly to address the situation. Firefighters arrived on the scene to extinguish the flames, while the electricity department began efforts to restore the power supply. The situation has caused significant disruption in the local community, with many residents left without essential services for several hours.

Although emergency services acted swiftly to contain the fire, the damage to the substation’s infrastructure was significant. The estimated losses from the fire, including the cost of repairs and the impact on the power supply, are expected to reach around $1 million. The disruption has not only caused financial losses for the utility companies but also affected the daily lives of local residents and businesses.

For the utility companies and organizations responsible for power infrastructure, early fire detection and constant surveillance are essential to minimize such risks. Planck Vision Systems’ thermal imaging cameras provide continuous monitoring to detect abnormal heat signatures before fires break out. The TNC20, TRX600, and TNC400PT models are ideal for monitoring substation equipment, providing clear thermal images even in the most challenging environments. These systems can prevent unexpected failures and unforeseen disasters by identifying trends and anomalies in real-time.

Thermal cameras can be strategically placed in key areas of the substation to detect rising temperatures or faulty equipment before they escalate into major incidents. By using Planck Vision Systems’ technology, utility companies can protect their assets, reduce downtime, and safeguard the lives of local residents from the dangers of electrical fires.

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source：citizen.co.za