Transformer Fire Closes Palm Avenue, Disrupts Businesses

A transformer caught fire at a San Diego Gas and Electric substation on Palm Avenue Saturday, prompting the evacuation of several homes and businesses and closing streets in the area, officials said.

The blaze broke out about 8:10 a.m. at the substation near 1669 Palm Ave., and fire crews had the blaze out about 9:50 a.m., according to a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department dispatch supervisor. The Imperial Beach Fire Department assisted in putting out the fire, which did not cause any power outages, according to SDG&E.

San Diego police evacuated residences on Palm Avenue between 16th and 17th streets and in the 1700 block of Dahlia Avenue. A strip mall at 1559 Palm Ave. and a restaurant at 1669 Palm Avenue were also evacuated, police
said.

Announcements were made to residents of the nearby Apache Trailer Lodge
but it was unclear if they were asked to evacuate.

The on- and off-ramps to westbound Palm Avenue from Interstate 5 were
shut down as crews battled the blaze and a hazardous materials team worked to
contain a possible leak from the damaged transformer, according to SDFRD and
the California Highway Patrol.

Palm Avenue between 16th Street and Thermal Avenue was also closed, and
streets were blocked at northbound 16th Street and Donax Avenue, at westbound Palm Avenue at Saturn Boulevard and at northbound Donax Avenue and Georgia Street. 

-City News Service