Power Restored After Manchester Substation Fire

MANCHESTER, NJ — A transformer fire at Whiting JCP&L substation cause nearly 4,200 customers to be without power in the western section of the township on Monday afternoon, Manchester police said.

The fire inside the the fenced-in facility on Station Road. just off Route 530, was discovered by Manchester Officer Brian Volk, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

Volk was on patrol in the area of Manchester Boulevard and Lacey Road when he heard a large "boom" coming from the area of the nearby electrical substation, Malland said, and found a large transformer fire.

Fire crews from the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company as well as power crews from JCP&L quickly arrived on scene to extinguish the fire, Malland said.

The fire and resulting damage knocked out power to more than 4,200 homes in the area, Malland said. JCP&L officials initially estimated the power would be out for 3 to 4 hours, however, electrical crews were able to quickly restore power once the fire was extinguished.

Because of the frigid outside temperature, the Manchester Office of Emergency Management established a warming station at the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company on Route 530. It turned out to be not needed due to the quick response of both the fire department and the JCP&L repair crews, Malland said.

Photo via Manchester Township Police Department