Blown transformer sparks brush fire along LIRR tracks in Garden City
Video provided by a homeowner shows flames racing through the brush along Manor Road, near the train tracks, as smoke filled the area.
A brush fire stretched nearly three-quarters of a mile along railroad tracks in Garden City after a transformer explosion knocked down power lines and ignited dry brush, fire officials said.
Video provided by a homeowner shows flames racing through the brush along Manor Road, near the train tracks, as smoke filled the area.
Garden City Fire Chief Jonathan Parrella said the fire began Wednesday afternoon when a transformer blew, causing a major power line to fall and spark multiple fires in the brush. The fence along the tracks is electrified, forcing crews to shut down power so firefighters could work safely.
PSEG Long Island said 350 customers were left without electricity. Power was expected to be restored later that night.
Firefighters found between a dozen to two dozen small pockets of fire, creating smoky conditions that prompted numerous emergency calls from concerned residents, Parrella said.
“It was just a loud boom that popped off at the end of the block,” said Garden City resident Michael Krumholz. “I came down and saw the wires looked like they were on fire, dropped, set fire to the brush and sent its way down to New Hyde Park Road.”
Crews extinguished the flames and remained on the scene, pouring water on remaining hotspots to prevent flare-ups.
No injuries were reported, officials said.
The MTA said train service has been restored, though some delays remain.
The Nassau County chief fire marshal said a burn ban is currently in effect due to dry conditions, warning that burning leaves or failing to fully extinguish campfires could lead to catastrophic results.
