Hoboken Transformer Fire Extinguished Quickly, City Says

HOBOKEN, NJ — The Hoboken Fire Department was able to extinguish an electrical transformer fire in just under an hour on Saturday, officials said.

Firefighters responded to reports of a transformer fire at the intersection of 15th Street and Park Avenue at approximately 1:42 p.m. on Saturday.

Battalion 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, and Ladder 1 responded and established a perimeter, with assistance from the Hoboken Polic Department, a public safety spokesperson said.

The blaze was put out by 2:35 p.m., the city said.

Hoboken officials asked residents to avoid the area, near the city's northern border.

The street was closed on the four blocks from Willow Avenue to Washington Street, the city said in an alert shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday, except for local traffic.

Several blocks of 14th Street are already closed for ongoing construction of flood walls, resulting in significant traffic delays.

While Hoboken police are on the scene to help with traffic control, "Drivers should plan for significant congestion while repairs are made," the city said. "Please avoid the area if possible, consider using southern routes to enter and exit Hoboken, and leave plenty of time to get around."

NJ Transit buses were temporarily rerouted, the city said.