UPDATE: Big power outage in West Seattle

3:59 AM: Thanks for the tip. Another power outage in West Seattle – this one much bigger than the one we mentioned earlier: More than 3,200 homes and businesses.

4:21 AM: Some just got their power back (thanks for the texts). The map now has the outage down to 2,800+ customers. As for a cause, one possibility – SFD responded to a call logged as a “transformer fire” around 3:25 am at Avalon/Andover, described by the arriving crew as a “pole fire.” … Archived audio for that dispatch includes a firefighter warning that it was “burning through to a high-tension wire” and calling for Avalon to be closed in that area.

4:48 AM: The map shows the outage is now down to 481 customers.

11:11 AM NOTE: Thanks to the texters who sent photos of the City Light crew at work earlier this morning. The outage wsa reported over by about quarter past 9. The photo above is from nearby restaurateur John Bennett, who notes this pole has had at least two previous transformer fires; in this case, lightning is blamed.

8 Replies to "UPDATE: Big power outage in West Seattle"

  • Carolei August 18, 2024 (4:08 am)

    Power is out here in North Delridge on the east side of the golf course.

    • Carolei August 18, 2024 (4:19 am)

      That was quick! Now power is back on. I hope it lasts!

  • Monc206 August 18, 2024 (4:09 am)

    Omg, woke on day off…just updated my latest PC game on steam. Clicked game open and power went out. LoL I thought it was my update.

  • KD August 18, 2024 (5:44 am)

    5:45 a.m – Power is still out on Avalon/Genesee

  • Blake August 18, 2024 (8:54 am)

    Power is still out on Avalon 3000 block.  

  • Nadmiral August 18, 2024 (10:01 am)

    Please give more detail about how in the world that fire got started.  Thanks so much

    • WSB August 18, 2024 (11:09 am)

      Lightning, according to nearby restaurant owner John Bennett.

    • Derek August 18, 2024 (3:53 pm)

      This is by my house. It was the loudest lightning strike I heard in my life and power went out immediately after. Around 3:45 AM it woke me up.

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