Transformer fire causes power issue on Smith Ave, Reading MA
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This is not an official report. The headline and summary are generated by automated AI systems from public-safety dispatch audio. Always verify with official sources.
Fire & ArsonAs discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a possible transformer explosion near Eaton Street and Smith Avenue in Reading. Several wires were down and smoking, causing a fire and temporary power outage in the downtown area. A squirrel may have triggered the incident, and utilities were restored once the area was secured.
Audio|Heard on: Reading Police & Fire Dispatch
Listen to dispatch call
03:14
Transcript:
00:00
Running a police and fire for Smith Ave, possible transformer explosion.
00:06
Several wires down, smoldering.
00:12
All right, I'm gonna head that way.
00:15
Crazy.
00:35
Fire is still on Engine Four.
00:38
Smith Ave for the investigation.
00:43
Ready Fire C3.
00:46
C3?
00:48
You can have me at Engine 4's call.
00:51
Ready Fire Hazard.
00:55
All right, I'm going out.
00:56
Looks like Eaton by Smith Ave.
01:00
There are some wires down on the ground smoking.
01:03
That's all I see so far.
01:05
What do you see?
01:09
Nine four to nine seven.
01:12
Good.
01:15
I'm in the square now.
01:17
What lights did you say were flashing?
01:20
Just as I passed through, they seemed to be back and functional.
01:24
But just prior to that, the whole downtown area shut down.
01:30
Roger. 94 ready.
01:33
94.
01:35
I don't know if it was the FD's Opticon, but it looks like everything in the square is functioning properly now.
01:41
You can probably maybe just notify engineering what occurred, but it seems like everything's back to normal here.
01:50
Right.
01:55
Seven nine four.
01:58
Correct.
01:59
I'm probably going to shut down this section of Eaton Street, so probably Eaton to Green, Eaton to Pleasant.
02:11
Precinct, I'm passing Green now.
02:13
Do you need me anywhere?
02:17
I would say just if you want to take the Eaton-Green Street side.
02:25
Copy. And writing, this looked like it was caused by a squirrel.
02:32
Right?
02:33
Right.
02:42
On engine three.
02:45
Company is going to be available.
02:46
This is a stable vehicle.
02:47
State police on scene with a tow truck.
02:50
It is available, DMV.
02:53
State police turning around.
02:57
25 C3.
03:01
Three.
03:05
Okay, we do have live wires on the ground that are smoking.
03:09
We have active fire on the primary lines running between Pleasant and Smith.
Disclaimer:
This transcript is automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. Dispatch communications may include background noise, overlapping speakers, or rapidly evolving situations, and automated transcription may not capture all details or context.
Location mentioned:
Eaton St & Smith Ave, Reading, MA 01867
This shows a Google Street View of the area near the location, which might not be the exact address.
Correct
Incorrect
Note:
Auto-generated from live dispatch audio, which may contain errors. Dispatch calls are not confirmed incidents. Always verify with official sources.
