On December 12, 2009, US EPA was notified that an American Electric Power (AEP) transformer was on fire in Coloma, Michigan. Local responders from the Coloma-Hagar Fire Department and AEP reported that the transformer contained 12,000 gallons of mineral oil. They also reported that the fire had subsided somewhat since it began at 1730 EST, but was still forcefully burning. The prevailing winds were out of the south, and residents along Wilson Road, north of the transformer, were advised to voluntarily evacuate or shelter in place. The Coloma-Hagar Fire Department estimated that the transformer would remain on fire for up to three days if there was no attempt to extinguish it.
