| Transformer fire closes North Market Street
Originally published April 25, 2011 - Updated 6:08 PM, April 25, 2011
From Staff Reports
Photo by Bill Green
Firefighters are on the scene of a transformer fire on North Market Street between Patrick and Church streets. News-Post staff photo by Blair Ames.
UPDATE (6 p.m.): About 25 customers are still without power as a result of the transformer fire earlier today, according to Potomac Edison Co. (formerly Allegheny Power).
They are expected to be without electricity until equipment is replaced, said Doug Colafella, Potomac Edison Co. spokesman.
He did not predict how long that would be.
UPDATE (4 p.m.): FirstEnergy spokesman Todd Meyers said a transformer malfunctioned about 20 feet in the air.
The problem was reported to FirstEnergy at 1:50 p.m. Monday, he said.
The fire was on a platform connected by two poles about 10 feet apart, he said. The transformer is in an alleyway between Market Street and Maxwell Alley.
Crews expect to use a crane to lift equipment off the platform.
"When they make repairs, it's going to turn off power," Meyers said.
He didn't know how many customers would be affected, he said. FirstEnergy's website reported 1100 customers without power at about 3:20 p.m.
Meyers said most customers should be back in service by about 4:30 p.m. Those who live near the fire are going to be without electricity longer than that, but he did not know for how long.
FirstEnergy's website is currently reporting no Frederick customers without power.
— Pam Rigaux
2:15 p.m.: Some buildings along North Market Street have been evacuated due to a transformer fire.
Firefighters are on the scene of a transformer fire at 17 E. Patrick St., according to the Frederick Police Department.
East Patrick Street is closed between East Street and Market Street. North Market Street is closed between Patrick and Church streets, according to the News-Post staff writer Blair Ames, who is on the scene.
The fire sent plumes of black smoke skyward shortly before 2 p.m.
About 20 customers are without electricity, according to Frederick police.
No other details are available at this time
Article courtesy of the frederick news post |
