Electrical Fire in Old Town Square in Fort Collins

Poudre Fire Authority firefighters were called to Downtown Fort Collins on Saturday after numerous 911 calls about a large amount of smoke and fire coming from at least one manhole cover in Old Town Square.  Fire crews discovered that the fire involved energized electrical equipment, some underground, so firefighters could not immediately extinguish the blaze.  Fort Collins Light & Power crews were on scene to help with disconnecting and isolating electrical supplies to buildings.

Buildings were evacuated and once electrical service was disconnected, crews were able to extinguish the fire and keep it from extending to surrounding buildings.  A Hazardous Materials Team worked through the afternoon with other firefighters to remove smoke from the buildings.

Damage appears to be limited to two transformers and some interconnecting lines.  Investigators still haven't determined the origin and cause. Nobody was injured.