Power restored after transformer fire in downtown Lowell

National Grid trucks block Warren Street in Lowell on May 22, 2024, as crews work at the site of a transformer fire that broke out two days earlier. (Aaron Curtis/Lowell Sun)

LOWELL — A new transformer box has been installed and power has been restored following a fire that broke out along Warren Street Monday afternoon.

The cause of the fire that left 120 customers without power is still under investigation, according to National Grid.

The fire broke out at the transformer box on the corner of a parking lot off Warren Street, near Central Street, around 2:30 p.m. Monday. Flames burst from the transformer box and sent black smoke into the downtown sky.

Due to the presence of electricity, firefighters were unable to immediately attack the flames with water. National Grid responded by turning off power to the transformer to make the scene safe for firefighters.

Warren Street was still closed to traffic Wednesday evening as National Grid crews worked to restore power to the last customers affected by the fire. Michael Dalo, a spokesman for the energy company, said that as of Wednesday evening, six customers were still waiting for power to be restored.

Among those affected were UTEC, located directly across the street from the transformer, and the Inn & Conference Center, which currently serves as a shelter for homeless and migrant families.

UTEC CEO Gregg Croteau said power to the nonprofit's main building at 35 Warren St. was restored the day after the fire. Power to their other building at 17 Warren Street came back on at some point Wednesday night.

The ICC had no power for about 12 hours, from 3 p.m. Monday until 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to Sarah Magazine, a spokesperson for the shelter.

Due to the fire, the ICC was evacuated for approximately 30 minutes.

“Guests proceeded to assembly areas that had been predetermined in consultation with the Lowell Fire Department,” Magazine said.

No one was injured in the fire.

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