Multiple property and grass fires broke out after a grounded power line caused a massive electrical explosion off of Westwood Avenue in Columbia on the afternoon of September 26, 2019.
The electrical issue caused a transformer on the road to blow. One home suffered extensive damage from fire after power backfed into it. A neighboring home was damaged by radiant heat while fire also damaged a backyard shed and several vehicles.
Columbia Richland Fire responded with more than 40 personnel just before 4:15 p.m. Crews worked on getting the property fires out while also battling multiple fires in the grass and woodlines.
No injuries were reported. The incident caused about $100,000 in damages.
