Power station fire in Wollongong could burn for two days, fire chief says

The cause of a fire that ignited at a NSW power plant and is expected to burn for days has been revealed.

A NSW power plant on fire in Wollongong could burn for two days, with residents warned to keep doors and windows shut if they see or smell smoke.

Fire crews were called to the large substation fire in Yallah, near Albion Park, on the state’s south coast about 3.30pm on Saturday, after numerous Triple 0 calls reporting large volumes of smoke and explosions at the site.

More than 60 firefighters and two Mobile Command Centres fought the blaze, which was impacting high voltage power lines.

FRNSW Chief Superintendent Michael Morris said on Sunday morning the fire at a Transgrid substation had now been contained and crews were monitoring it.

While the fire had significantly reduced in intensity, it was expected to burn for two days, he said.

The fire broke out after 3pm on Saturday. Picture: 7 NEWS

“This morning we will determine the changes in our strategies to fully extinguish the fire and continue to deal with the thousands of litres of transformer oil,” he told Nine’s Today show.

“All of the oil is contained within the site. It is burning off as you can see behind us.”

Mr Morris said crews were working with environmental authorities on contingency plans if the containment was breached.

Residents were told to keep their doors and windows shut on Saturday. Picture: 7 NEWS

The blaze was caused by a mechanical failure of a redundant transformer.

About 100,000 litres of oil was involved in the incident, which has since been confined to a contained area, and poses no threat to the environment, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said.

Specialist hazardous materials firefighters remained at the scene on Sunday, monitoring the smoke plume and the temperature of the impacted transformer and oil tanks.

The large smoke plume affected Wollongong and Unanderra on Saturday, causing flights in and out of Shellharbour Airport to be delayed.

Residents were urged to stay indoors with windows and doors closed until the air quality has improved.

Mr Morris said the smoke on Sunday had subdued but if residents smelled or saw smoke they should continue to obey those recommendations.

“We anticipate that we will have a couple of days of operations here,” he said.

“Like all smoke, any smoke can be hazardous,” he said.

Shellharbour Airport has resumed normal operations.

FRNSW said it continued to work with Transgrid and the NSW Environment Protection Authority to monitor the situation to ensure safety of residents and the environment.

Authorities believe the fire could burn for two more days. Picture: 7 NEWS

Residents who smell or see smoke should stay indoors. Picture: 7 NEWS