Newark Transformer Fire Deemed Not Suspicious: Authorities

NEWARK, NJ — A fire at an underground transformer in Newark caused a temporary loss of power at multiple downtown buildings on Monday morning, but was deemed to be not suspicious by local authorities.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, smoke from a transformer fire at 18 Rector Street also spread to buildings at 10 Park Place and 2 Gateway Center. Newark firefighters arrived at the scene of the blaze around 8:52 a.m. and put the flames under control by 9:45 a.m.

Both 18 Rector Street and 10 Park Place were evacuated and experienced temporary power loss, but power loss or evacuation was reported at 2 Gateway, authorities said.

No injuries have been reported at any of the locations, authorities stated.

“This incident does not appear to be related to any suspicious activity,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

Market Street was closed between McCarter Highway and Mulberry Street and should be avoided, authorities stated around 11 a.m.

Newark police and PSE&G personnel also responded to the scene.