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Fire Burns At Electrical Substation In Modesto

MODESTO (CBS13) - Firefighters responded to a fire at an electrical substation in Modesto this morning.

Crews were called to the substation near Briggsmore and Claus around 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Investigators say it appears the fire started when a spark ignited mineral oil, which is used to cool the capacitors at the substation.

Firefighters say it would not be safe to use water on the fire, because the plant is energized. Instead, fire crews will allow the mineral oil to burn itself out, which could take several hours.

No structures were threatened during the fire, and no one was hurt.

The substation belongs to Modesto Irrigation District.

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Power plant fire burning near Briggsmore and Claus, Modesto. Photo courtesy: modestonews.org
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Power plant fire burning near Briggsmore and Claus, Modesto. Photo courtesy: modestonews.org
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