Suspected vandalism leads to transformer fire, power outage in Kanawha County

MAMMOTH, WV (WOWK) — An Appalachian Power-owned transformer caught fire Tuesday morning, knocking out power for the community of Mammoth.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office says they believe it to be caused by vandalism.

An Appalachian Power spokesperson confirmed that a fire broke out on a transformer on Kelley’s Creek Road just after 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

After the fire was put out, law enforcement said that around $500 worth of copper wiring connected to the transformer was stolen. With nothing to ground the transformer’s electric currents, the equipment caught fire.

There are currently 316 AEP customers without power at the time of writing. The power company has a crew working to repair the damaged transformer, and the estimated restoration time is listed as 12:30 p.m.

No arrests have been made thus far in connection to the theft.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.