Transformer blaze cuts power to homes

The incident looked like a fireworks display. Photo / Supplied

A transformer fire sent a shower of sparks into the air, cutting power to 77 North Shore homes on Thursday.

Witness Kevin Hind said the noise "sounded a bit like thunder". The incident looked like a fireworks display, said Mr Hind. "Sparks were flying as high as the powerpole."

Three appliances manned by 12 firefighters arrived at the scene in Killarney Ave, Torbay, after receiving a callout at 7.20pm. Fire spokesman Jaron Phillips said the transformer was still on fire when the crews arrived.

Power was isolated and the incident handed over to Vector. The power company said the cause was still being investigated but confirmed that power was restored to affected homes at 5am yesterday.

This is the second transformer fire in less than a fortnight.

North Shore's Rangitoto College had a similar incident which resulted in more than 3000 students being sent home for the day.