Transformer Catches Fire, Causes Power Outages

A transformer went up in flames at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Spokesman Mark Gross told Patch.

The fire, which took place across the street from the Merrick Avenue and Warren Street intersection, was noticed by one of the nearby business owners. He then phoned 911, which led to the and LIPA workers being dispersed to the scene.

Nobody was injured during the incident.

According to Gross, most of the customers affected by the fire were nearby businesses, but Gross said that they should regain power shortly.

"I was in the nail salon when the lights blew," East Meadow resident Karla Oderwald said. "Then they blew again with very loud popping noises and we all ran out."

"Crews are at the site now," Gross said. "We need to replace the transformer, and then we will be back to normal."

According to the LIPA Storm Center Outage Map, as of 2:01 p.m, 13 customers were affected by the transformer fire, and the estimated time of restoration is 3:30 p.m.

The businesses that lost power included , , Family Chiropractic, , , Heavenly Nail and Spa, , East Meadow Medical Office and Brown's East Meadow Self Defense.

Police also blocked off a portion of the parking lot while LIPA workers attended to the transformer issue. The cause of the blaze is still being investigated, Gross added.

Karla Oderwald provided the news tip for this story.

This is a breaking news story, and Patch will provide more information as it's made available.

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