Transformer Fire Erupts From Rego Park Manhole: FDNY

REGO PARK, QUEENS -- Flames and heavy smoke billowed from a manhole in Rego Park after a transformer inside it caught fire early Friday morning, fire officials said.

Fire officials received a call about the manhole fire on 63rd Drive near 99th Street just after 6 a.m., authorities said.

Firefighters worked to put the fire under control until Con Edison workers were able to take over, an FDNY spokesman said.

The blaze was extinguished by 7:40 a.m. No one was injured, and no property was damaged, fire officials said.

Residents near the manhole fire reported hearing a "big explosion" and loud popping sounds. Th FDNY spokesman said that's not unusual for such fires.

"Sometimes with manhole fires, you'll hear loud pops like that," he said.

The spokesman also noted the recent heat wave likely put a strain on the transformer, which can cause old ones to short circuit.

Lead photo by Ciara McCarthy/Patch