By: Richard L. Smith
Hackensack firefighters battled a dangerous early morning fire Wednesday after a transformer explosion ignited multiple vehicles near Prospect Avenue and Berry Street.
According to emergency radio traffic, firefighters were dispatched shortly before 5 a.m. to the area of 380 Prospect Avenue, where at least three vehicles were reported on fire following what officials believe was a transformer explosion.
Responding crews also reported multiple explosions, downed primary power lines, and a bank of transformers involved in the incident.
Emergency officials requested additional fire units and urged PSE&G to respond immediately as crews awaited the utility company to shut off electrical power before fully extinguishing the blaze.
Hazmat teams were also requested after fluids were reported leaking from a damaged transformer.
The Hackensack Fire Department later advised motorists and residents to avoid the area of Prospect Avenue and Berry Street while firefighters continued operations.
City officials said no injuries have been reported. The cause of the transformer failure remains under investigation.