Power Lines Spark Fire Near Roll-N-Roaster, Dozens Left Without Power

Several sections of power lines exploded on East 29th Street and Emmons Avenue this morning, sparking a small garbage fire near Roll-N-Roaster restaurant, and leaving as many as 100 Con Edison customers without power.

“Four sections of overhead wire were involved. There’s 50 to 100 customers affected. It’s going to be six to 12 hours before we have this restored,” said Con Edison spokesperson Bob McGee. “We’re still investigating as to what the cause is … Sometimes it’s like a small animal caught in the wire or something, but we won’t know that yet.”

After being requested by the firefighters, the Con Ed crew arrived and cut the high tension lines. The lines first erupted at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Firefighters said when they arrived the wires were popping, and several small blasts occurred before one of the wires snapped, and landed on a pile of debris left curbside by a homeowner renovating after Superstorm Sandy.

Once the lines were cut, firefighters doused the smoldering debris. The incident was deemed under control by 1:00 p.m. An EMS responder on scene said there were no injuries.

A Con Edison spokesperson said the customers without power, which includes Roll-N-Roaster at 1901 Emmons Avenue, should have power restored between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.