Fire at Electric Substation in Wildwood Causes Island-Wide Power Outage
A fire broke out at the Lake Avenue Substation in Wildwood on Friday, resulting in a widespread power outage across the island just ahead of a busy summer weekend. The fire occurred at around noon, according to the Wildwood Fire Department, and the subsequent outage lasted throughout the afternoon as temperatures soared into the low 80s. Fortunately, no injuries or health-related emergencies were reported due to the outage.
In response to the power outage, the city of Wildwood announced that the scheduled fireworks display for Friday night would be rescheduled to Sunday night. This decision was made to ensure the safety and enjoyment of residents and visitors.
By 6 p.m., approximately 22,500 electric customers were still without power, as reported by Atlantic City Electric’s outage tracker. This number had slightly decreased from a peak of over 24,000 affected customers. However, it is important to note that the term “customer” includes establishments such as hotels, indicating that tens of thousands of people beyond the official count were likely impacted by the outage.
Atlantic City Electric released a statement just before 6 p.m., stating that they expected around 15,000 customers to have their power restored late Friday night. However, some outages were expected to continue into the following day. The utility company acknowledged the complexity of the damage and expressed their understanding of the difficulties faced by those without electricity. They urged affected individuals to take necessary safety precautions while they worked to restore service.
The power outage had various consequences throughout the area. Morey’s Piers amusement park, for instance, had to shut down when the power went out shortly after 12 p.m. Fortunately, no rides were operating at the time, but the park remained closed for the rest of the day. Kyle Morey, one of the park’s managers, confirmed this decision.
Although the fire at the substation was contained in the early afternoon, the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Social media users shared photos showing smoke billowing from the Lake Avenue Substation, located in the central part of the island. The shutdown of the substation immediately cut off electricity from North Wildwood down to Wildwood Crest.
The North Wildwood Police Department advised residents not to call emergency dispatchers for updates on power restoration. Instead, they assured the public that updates would be provided through social media channels. As of 4 p.m., the department still did not have an estimated time for when power would be restored. In the meantime, a cooling center was opened at the North Wildwood Community Center on Central Ave to provide relief from the heat.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
How did the community come together to support one another and make the best of the situation during the power outage
Such as homes, businesses, and other buildings, meaning that the actual number of people affected by the outage is likely much higher.
The cause of the fire at the Lake Avenue Substation has not been determined at this time. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause and extent of the damages. In the meantime, crews from Atlantic City Electric worked tirelessly to restore power to the affected areas.
Many residents and tourists were left frustrated and inconvenienced by the outage, especially as it occurred during a popular holiday weekend. Some businesses were forced to close temporarily, while others experienced a loss of business due to the lack of power. Restaurants were particularly affected, with many unable to serve customers or maintain proper food storage and preparation conditions.
Local authorities and emergency services worked together to ensure public safety during the outage. Police officers were stationed at major intersections to direct traffic, while firefighters and EMS personnel remained on standby to respond to any potential emergencies. Additionally, cooling centers were set up throughout the area to provide relief from the heat for those without power.
As evening approached, many residents sought alternative ways to stay cool and entertained. Some visited local beaches and pools, while others gathered at community centers and public spaces. Despite the inconveniences caused by the outage, the community came together to support one another and make the best of the situation.
By Saturday morning, power had been restored to the majority of customers affected by the outage. Atlantic City Electric released a statement expressing their gratitude to customers for their patience and understanding during the ordeal. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In conclusion, a fire at the Lake Avenue Substation in Wildwood resulted in an island-wide power outage just before a busy summer weekend. The incident prompted the rescheduling of a scheduled fireworks display, and thousands of customers were without power throughout the afternoon. Despite the inconvenience, no injuries were reported, and efforts were made to ensure public safety and provide relief from the heat. Power was gradually restored, and the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
