8.46PM
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The fire at the Horsham Power Sub Station on Stawell Road is now safe.
Powercor has been working to restore power to the affected areas.
Both the Western Highway and Henty Highway are now open.
7.59PM
POWER appears to have been restored in Horsham.
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7.43PM
Wondering what you’re having for tea tonight? So are many Horsham diners.
Coles closed its doors at 6.30pm, due to loss of power.
Manager Mark Mason said the store had generators for a while, but they did not power the refrigeration side.
“It's a major impact on our customers and providing what we provide every day,’’ he said.
“We’re closed but hoping to open tomorrow as normal.
“It’s a major impact unfortunately.’’
The lights are back on but the store is still waiting for power to registers to return.
Woolworths remains open, however has no frozen or cold foods available to sell.
7.40PM
7.30PM
UPDATE
THE fire is now under control.
The blaze was in the main transformer at the sub station on Stawell Road in Horsham.
Emergency services including several fire brigades and police attended.
Powercor have restored power to some areas, but extensive power outages remain across the Wimmera.
The Western Highway is closed to all outbound traffic. The Henty Highway is shut. Traffic is being diverted.
EARLIER
Two fires at a Horsham power station has cut electricity to thousands of homes and sent black smoke billowing over city streets.
Country Fire Authority crews were called to the blaze after residents noticed black smoke in the area.
The CFA issued an advice notice at 5.53pm with the following information: Emergency services are responding to a fire at the Horsham Power Station, on the corner of Stawell Rd and Henty Hwy, Horsham. The power supply to Horsham has been interrupted. Police are monitoring traffic control.
More than 17,000 homes are without power across Horsham and the Wimmera.
Power has been restored in Dimboola, however Powercor are reporting other homes will not regain power until at least 11pm.
John Davies from the CFA said there were two fires and two buildings under threat
“The Western Highway is closed from Osbourne Road to Golf Course Road. Crews have to cart water across the highway. We also warn people about the thick black smoke in the area,” Mr Davies said.
Powercor line worker Tim Vanstan said he believed the fire in the number one transmitter has short-circuited and caught fire.
"All of Horsham is without power and will remain so until the fire is out,” Mr Vanstan said.
“It is very rare for this to happen. The hot weather has had something to do with it. It's just so big."
About a dozen CFA crews, including those from Horsham and Green Lake are on the scene.