Firefighters in Dover, New Hampshire, are investigating the cause of underground fires that set off explosions late Sunday night.Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane said they were called to Second Street just before midnight Monday morning for what was originally reported as a structure fire. He said crews did not find a building on fire but did discover electric meters on fire in an alleyway behind the building. Crews also said there were flames shooting out of manholes. “A couple of underground fires caused some explosions, which blew the manhole covers off, and fire was showing from there and them electrical arcing,” said McShane.Power was shut off to about 700 customers. Electricity was gradually being restored Monday morning.No one was hurt in the fires, but officials said a couple of nearby restaurants sustained minor fire damage in the basement and some smoke damage.
Firefighters in Dover, New Hampshire, are investigating the cause of underground fires that set off explosions late Sunday night.
Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane said they were called to Second Street just before midnight Monday morning for what was originally reported as a structure fire. He said crews did not find a building on fire but did discover electric meters on fire in an alleyway behind the building. Crews also said there were flames shooting out of manholes.
“A couple of underground fires caused some explosions, which blew the manhole covers off, and fire was showing from there and them electrical arcing,” said McShane.
Power was shut off to about 700 customers. Electricity was gradually being restored Monday morning.
No one was hurt in the fires, but officials said a couple of nearby restaurants sustained minor fire damage in the basement and some smoke damage.
