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Fire On Church Street

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Received word that there is a fire on Church Street. Police have cleared the area.

UPDATE 3:11 PM: Power is out in the area of the explosion. Emergency officials are warning people to stay away from manholes. PSE&G officials are "no commenting" reporters. Channel 2 News is on the scene. Epernay, the French restaurant across Bloomfield Ave., is offering cold drinks to people evacuated from Church Street.

UPDATE 3:02 PM: Another explosion. Word is that there's an underground power grid. More businesses, along Park Street, are being cleared. So far businesses aren't being evacuated on Bloomfield Ave.

UPDATE 2:58 PM: Liz reports that the situation remains volatile, with a loud explosion just happening a minute ago. Liz said she could feel the explosion from a block away, and that acrid smoke is drifting throughout the area.

UPDATE 2:50 PM: Liz is on the scene: A manhole, directly in front of the Siena building, was spewing fire and smoke. Although the flames have stopped, smoke is still coming out, and firefighters don't appear to know the cause or how dangerous the situation may be.

Meanwhile, merchants on Church Street and South Park Street have been asked to evacuate their businesses.

Posted by Liz George on August 1, 2006 2:26 PM
Email this story |
 

Just stumbled upon this while out to get a coffee. The street is blocked off - of course, and a plume of brown smoke going up. Emerg. Svcs all over the place. The smoke also just seemed to hover there in the heat making an already unpleasant day more depressing. It looked to be half way up the street on the right side.

Posted by Jon Bonesteel | August 1, 2006 2:35 PM
 

What about some transformer fire on Windsor? Folks on Edgemont Park lost power last night but haven't heard if anyone else did.

Posted by New2Town | August 1, 2006 2:36 PM
 

I jUst spoke with Cheryl from Church Street Cafe, and she told me that the man hole cover at the other end, Church. and S. Park, blew up....right now, all the lights are dimming, and it seems like all the power will die in a few min. Hope to keep you posted.
wayne

Posted by wayne robbins | August 1, 2006 2:42 PM
 

JUST HEARD A VERY BIG EXPOSION OVER ON CHURCH STREET, PEOPLE RUNNING, REALLY

MORE TO FOLLOW, IF I COULD

Posted by wayne robbins | August 1, 2006 2:49 PM
 

We heard it all the way over here at Immaculate Conception on N Fullerton.

Posted by Jon Bonesteel | August 1, 2006 2:51 PM
 

I was just at my dr.'s on the crescent and they had brownouts & then lost power. Lots of black smoke, they were told it was a manhole cover explosion too. Maybe something with the Siena construction? Though they looked okay...

Posted by Christine | August 1, 2006 2:54 PM
 

Eeek...hope everyone is OK.

Posted by Miss Martta | August 1, 2006 2:58 PM
 

Lost all power a mile away on Eagle Rock Way and Llewellyn. Must have blown the whole South part of town...

Posted by johng | August 1, 2006 2:58 PM
 

Sounds like Astoria

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/437587p-368737c.html

Posted by commuter | August 1, 2006 3:02 PM
 

Sounds like Astoria

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/437587p-368737c.html

Posted by commuter | August 1, 2006 3:03 PM
 

ugh. not a good day to loose power!

Posted by Anonymous | August 1, 2006 3:03 PM
 

WE heard a loud boom just about 3, where we are (about 2 blocks away).
The power blinked about 2:45

Posted by JT | August 1, 2006 3:05 PM
 

3:15 Lots of sirens!

Posted by JT | August 1, 2006 3:08 PM
 

Helicopter hovering overhead now. 3:15

Posted by bob | August 1, 2006 3:09 PM
 

My husband just called. We live on Saint Lukes, and we just lost power.

Posted by Pam | August 1, 2006 3:13 PM
 

I called PSE&G and the electronic response promised power back by 6:42 pm today. We shall see....

Posted by johng | August 1, 2006 3:13 PM
 

This is most interesting in view of the mention of the barista in the New Yorker that came today; article about, among other things, the ability of bloggers to be "on the scene" ahead of the traditional news media.

Posted by lurkerlady | August 1, 2006 3:14 PM
 

Anyone know if power's out on Bloomfield Ave. all the way down to Glen Ridge? Have pets at home and can't get there until after work.

Posted by newglenridger | August 1, 2006 3:17 PM
 

PSE&G had a whole pile of trucks and crews working on something on Fullerton less than a block away from this when I went through about 20 minutes before the manhole fires started. Perhaps there was a problem in the area already. Maybe its hopeful that they will be able to get the juice back on soon as a result.
Manhole fire is a pretty common thing in this kind of heat with this kind of electricity demand. Not to say it isn't scary when it happens...

Posted by drob | August 1, 2006 3:19 PM
 

Anyone know if power's out on Bloomfield Ave. all the way down to Glen Ridge? Have pets at home and can't get there until after work.

Posted by newglenridger | August 1, 2006 3:19 PM
 

newglenridger-

When I think the power might be out, I call home and if the machine answers, then the power is on.

Posted by Anonymous | August 1, 2006 3:20 PM
 

nope. my husband just stopped home and there's still power (we live in GR, close to blmfld ave

Posted by commuter | August 1, 2006 3:21 PM
 

I live on Hawthorne Place near South Fullerton and I just got a call that my power is out. I am at work right now and thinking about all the food I just bought.
agh..

Posted by my food is melting | August 1, 2006 3:27 PM
 

I live on Hawthorne Place near South Fullerton and I just got a call that my power is out. I am at work right now and thinking about all the food I just bought.
agh..

Posted by my food is melting | August 1, 2006 3:28 PM
 

I live on Hawthorne Place near South Fullerton and I just got a call that my power is out. I am at work right now and thinking about all the food I just bought.
agh..

Posted by my food is melting | August 1, 2006 3:28 PM
 

So if I can raise a practical question at this point ... will we still be able to enjoy food and refreshments, kids activities, and, um, safety demos on Church Street tonight for National Night Out?

Posted by Nigel Tufnel | August 1, 2006 3:29 PM
 

hearing power is out around Llewellyn Ave.

Posted by Anonymous | August 1, 2006 3:33 PM
 

Well, I'll make the same offer as before... IF
you know someone who needs
VITAL meds refrigerated,
we cann possibly help

email or call me at 973 746-4799

Posted by JT | August 1, 2006 3:36 PM
 

Drove by the manhole fire around 2:45, missed the rest. If power is indeed out in the St. Luke's area, that could mess over several food establishments, not to mention the Whole Foods.

Let's hope PSE&G can resolve this quickly.

Posted by crank | August 1, 2006 3:47 PM
 

I live on Roosevelt Pl and my answering machine picked up my call so per above advice I'd guess that power was on there.

Posted by M | August 1, 2006 3:56 PM
 

This would only be an indicator if you have an analog answering machine I believe. Most people have their message systems connected to their provider.

Posted by phone | August 1, 2006 3:59 PM
 

yes. that goes without saying. the message system connected to the provider is voice mail. big difference between that an an answering machine.

Posted by phone2 | August 1, 2006 4:04 PM
 

yes. that goes without saying. the message system connected to the provider is voice mail. big difference between that an an answering machine.

Posted by phone2 | August 1, 2006 4:04 PM
 

I work on Church St. was told not to come in all of the restaurants are closed there. Including my friend was singing tonight on the circle. Nothing happening tonight on Church St. make alternate plans.

 

Anyone know if there are any issues at the Crescent lot?

Posted by car | August 1, 2006 4:09 PM
 

And I just got this alert a little while ago:

ALERT 1 - Severe Thunderstorm Watch

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 9:00PM EDT
Issue Time: 2:46PM EDT, Tuesday Aug 1, 2006
Valid Until: 9:00PM EDT, Tuesday Aug 1, 2006
Back to summary

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 9:00PM EDT
Sel5 Spc Ww 011851

Urgent - Immediate Broadcast Requested Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 665 Nws Storm Prediction Center Norman Ok Issued By Afwa Offutt Air Force Base Bellevue Ne 250 PM EDT Tue Aug 1 2006

The Nws Storm Prediction Center Has Issued A Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Portions Of

Connecticut Western Massachusetts Northeastern New Jersey Southeastern New York Coastal Waters

Effective This Tuesday Afternoon And Evening From 250 PM Until 900 PM EDT.

Hail To 1 Inch In Diameter... Thunderstorm Wind Gusts To 70 Mph... And Dangerous Lightning Are Possible In These Areas.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch Area Is Approximately Along And 70 Statute Miles East And West Of A Line From 25 Miles North Northwest Of Pittsfield Massachusetts To 25 Miles South Southeast Of Islip New York. For A Complete Depiction Of The Watch See The Associated Watch Outline Update (wous64 Kwns Wou5).

Remember... A Severe Thunderstorm Watch Means Conditions Are Favorable For Severe Thunderstorms In And Close To The Watch Area. Persons In These Areas Should Be On The Lookout For Threatening Weather Conditions And Listen For Later Statements And Possible Warnings. Severe Thunderstorms Can And Occasionally Do Produce Tornadoes.

Discussion... Thunderstorms Are Developing In Strongly Unstable Airmass Across Sern NY. Given Strong Afternoon Heating And Steep Low Level Lapse Rates... Storms Will Be Capable Of Producing Damaging Winds As They Move Sewd For The Remainder Of The Afternoon And Early Evening Hours.

 

The police now have Bloomfield Avenue blocked off at Sunset; nobody is allowed to go in towards Montclair.

Posted by Joe | August 1, 2006 4:19 PM
 

is power still out, I live in Hawthorne Towers...stuck at work, concerned for the pets...

Posted by lurkaholic | August 1, 2006 4:26 PM
 

Anne,

Watch - not a warning. Means condtions are favorable. Warning means storms are in your area.

Softball size hail turning your car into a pock-marked mess? Means you live in or near Arkansas.

Conan

Posted by Conan the Meteorologist | August 1, 2006 4:49 PM
 

Anne,

Watch - not a warning. Means condtions are favorable. Warning means storms are in your area.

Softball size hail turning your car into a pock-marked mess? Means you live in or near Arkansas.

Conan

Posted by Conan the Meteorologist | August 1, 2006 4:52 PM
 

our trees need seatbelts.

Posted by greeeat | August 1, 2006 4:54 PM
 

Conan, thanks for the clarification, but Watch, Warning, whatever - I don't want either of them!!

 

Don't go out and buy $500.00 in meat and fresh veggies today.

for those who already did....lets have a cookout at your place

Posted by dontbuymeat | August 1, 2006 5:10 PM
 

Checking in with two different locations:

Just left work at Midland and Claremont - where power is out.

Am now home at Grove St. and Claremont - power is on here.

Posted by Amandala | August 1, 2006 5:14 PM
 

Thank God that I am Beirut now, sounds like real danger back there. Keep your heads down

Jmo

Posted by jmo | August 1, 2006 5:21 PM
 

Power is back on at Union Street. 5:15 pm

Posted by Ann | August 1, 2006 5:23 PM
 

Power restored on Gates/Harrison, as well.

Posted by not_funny_jmo | August 1, 2006 5:26 PM
 

anybody know if this is effecting DeCamp buses coming from the city?

thanks

 

Just got an update from NJTransit. Trains running 15 to 30 minutes late out of Penn. They're blaming Amtrak again. My advice: If you're in an air-conditioned office, stay put.

Posted by Dashing Dan | August 1, 2006 5:31 PM
 

Just saw a newschannel4 van come up portland and make a right on midland.

Posted by techteam | August 1, 2006 5:41 PM
 

Hearing power has gone on and off several times (near Llewellyn) over last half hour - at 5:50pm

Posted by Anonymous | August 1, 2006 5:42 PM
 

delays with decamp buses. i just called.

Posted by ann | August 1, 2006 5:47 PM
 

Neighbor on midland called public services and was told a possible restoration of power around 8pm.

Just received 4 emails from a client wanting to know if their computers will experience data loss.

This is the perfect time to remind everyone, for next time, to have an external daily backup.

Go to staples or go online to provantage and get yourself a seagate backup drive - and back up your shit every day!

Posted by techteam | August 1, 2006 6:04 PM
 

Neighbor on midland called public services and was told a possible restoration of power around 8pm.

Just received 4 emails from a client wanting to know if their computers will experience data loss.

This is the perfect time to remind everyone, for next time, to have an external daily backup.

Go to staples or go online to provantage and get yourself a seagate backup drive - and back up your shit every day!

Posted by techteam | August 1, 2006 6:05 PM
 

Neighbor on midland called public services and was told a possible restoration of power around 8pm.

Just received 4 emails from a client wanting to know if their computers will experience data loss.

This is the perfect time to remind everyone, for next time, to have an external daily backup.

Go to staples or go online to provantage and get yourself a seagate backup drive - and back up your shit every day!

Posted by techteam | August 1, 2006 6:06 PM
 

Jerry!! I was just asking about you. I hope you find your way home safely.
My MTC update: Bloomfield Ave is closed from S Mtn to Grove St. Power is out all over center of town with lots of barracades up on side streets leading off of Bloomfield Ave. Try to use Grove St and below or Rt 23 and come down Bradford if you have to get uptown. Homes and businesses have been evacuated and people are being taken to cooling centers at the library, Red Cross on Park St. Decamp is donating bus's to transport people to the cooling centers. No foot traffic is being allowed on the avenue. Police are getting help from other towns, West Orange, Glen Ridge, Verona and Bloomfield. Police, fire and DPW are all working overtime in this extreme heat. To all of them, Thank You!

Posted by Linda | August 1, 2006 6:10 PM
 

Darn it. I wanted to buy 500$ worth of meat, but Whole Foods is closed. I'm so close to the action that I'm wondering if I should keep a bag packed and the cat carrier ready.

Posted by resa | August 1, 2006 6:16 PM
 

Will I buy $500 worth of vegetables, soy products etc.? No, my little refrig in Claremont's studio apartments will not hold more than a mere amount.

Getting ready for a possible repeat onslaught of no power--three days last time!

Truly, we are power-less at times in many ways. Time to chant.

Posted by ikanwrite | August 1, 2006 6:22 PM
 

anyone know if you can get near church street? i'd like to go check on my store and possible smoke damage...

Posted by kristen | August 1, 2006 6:36 PM
 

forget about trying to get to church street. Bloomfield ave is closed from the pathmark to the Verona boarder. Church street still closed. You can't get up that far, even on foot. But no shops were damaged when I was up there about 5pm, before they closed all of bloomfield ave.

Posted by minority majority | August 1, 2006 6:40 PM
 

To Info who asked about the crescent Deck. It is open and they have not lost power.

Posted by dan | August 1, 2006 6:43 PM
 

Yes, you can get to Church. Drive down Grove, to S. Fullerton over to the Crescent Deck and then walk.

Posted by resa | August 1, 2006 6:54 PM
 

I am sure everyone is doing what they can, BUT I just took a ride on my bike and I canNOT believe all the people circling around trying to get past the various blocked road.

I found my way 2 hours ago when I came home, but I feel so bad for these people.

Aren't the police at the ready with signs and such to point the way around the bloomfield ave blockage?? Orange st is blocked too...probably others.

It would be SOO easy to find a route for the east bound folks and then another one for the west bound folks on bloomfield...

Posted by driving | August 1, 2006 7:02 PM
 

They just don't have enough officers, even with the help from surrounding towns.

Posted by resa | August 1, 2006 7:05 PM
 

I work at BangZ and what a fiasco it was today. At one point they weren't letting us exit the building in any of our exists the grate in front of our salon was going to blow. They sent everyone evacuating and running down the street but us and finally didn't let us out until 4:20 and it seemed like war of the worlds out there. My apologies to any of our clients who might have been in the salon at that time, especially those with color that had to be evacuated. Hopefully power is restored as quickly as possible.

Posted by Stacey | August 1, 2006 7:14 PM
 

damn that commute SUCKED.

Posted by Megs | August 1, 2006 7:53 PM
 

I swear, this seems like the beginning of the apocolypse. I saw a weather map of the USA the other day and 95% of the country was over 90 degrees ... did this ever happen so regularly 15 years ago? 10? Sheesh, it's too late for Al Gore's movie! Even Stephen Hawking says we must learn how to colonize space or die - Earth is on her last legs (relatively speaking - a generation or two away).

Posted by Pete Moe | August 1, 2006 10:25 PM
 

The NJT bus I was on last night was preparing to turn onto Mt. Prospect Ave. instead of Pompton Ave. so I got off and walked to Bloomfield. Saved myself a half hour despite coming home drenched with sweat. Guess there's no way to relay information to NJT when emergency situations arise and they need to make efficient detours, she said sarcastically.

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