Electrical Failure Causes Brush Fire

An apparent electrical equipment malfunction caused a power cable to fall from utility poles along Route 34, near Paugussett Road, on the afternoon of July 15, resulting in brief area power outages and related travel problems.

The primary power cable, which fell to the ground, caused a small brush fire alongside Route 34, said Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue Company Chief Bill Halstead. The incident occurred about 4:42 pm on the section of Route 34 near its westerly intersection with Chestnut Hill Road.

Firefighters spent almost three hours at the scene as utility workers were called in to repair the equipment damage.

During the incident, traffic traveling on Route 34 was conveniently detoured for a time onto Chestnut Hill Road, which intersects with Route 34 in two places. The fire company’s fire police unit directed traffic flow and was later aided by police.