Residents in Hazelbrook were treated to an unexpected fireworks display on August 10 when underground power cables started arcing.
Two homes in Luchetti Avenue were evacuated following the electrical fire about 8.50pm.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Springwood and Lawson attended the scene, setting up an exclusion zone to protect watching residents from the live wires. There was little else they could do until staff from Endeavour Energy arrived about half an hour later to isolate the power supply.
“Once the power was isolated we then extinguished the fire with carbon dioxide,” said Fire and Rescue NSW acting Springwood station officer Eerin Jennison.
Residents were able to return to their homes at this time, although the last fire truck didn’t leave the scene until about 10.20pm.
Acting station officer Jennison said he has attended similar incidents over the years but none that have lasted this long.
“Generally they give a few little explosions and sparks and then the safety measures cut in. I’ve never seen one that continued so energetically for so long,” he said.
A spokesman for Endeavour Energy confirmed the electrical arcing seen at Hazelbrook was “rare”.
“Endeavour Energy’s network is regularly inspected and maintained,” the spokesman said.
