Transformer Fire Erupts in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Transformer Fire Eruption

• ⚡ A fire erupted from a street-level utility box near the intersection of Humbult and Seagull in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
• 🔥 Flames were seen shooting out of a transformer vault, leading to a significant response from fire crews.

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

• 💧 Crews worked to douse intense flames shooting from the transformer vault to prevent spread to a nearby apartment building.
• ⛽ National Grid turned off valves for gas lines, but residual gas burning in the lines contributed to the prolonged process.
• 🚒 The fire involved a complex intersection of electric lines and gas utilities, with the gas main fed from multiple directions.

Evacuations and Injuries

• 👥 Approximately 200 people from a 49-apartment building at 101 Humbult Street were evacuated starting around 3:30 AM.
• 🩹 Two people were treated for non-fire-related injuries during the evacuation.

Investigation and Aftermath

• 🚗 Two vehicles were burned to a crisp due to the fire.
• 🔍 The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
• 🚧 Expect significant traffic detours in the East Williamsburg area due to the incident.