Power restored to more than 5,000 customers west of downtown

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- We Energies officials say power has been restored to more than 7,000 customers who were without power just west of Milwaukee's downtown for several hours on Friday evening, March 8th.

A We Energies spokesman told Fox 6, crews were replacing a circuit at its substation at 27th and St. Paul. The equipment was new, but it failed as it was being installed. As a result, a small explosion and fire broke out and it resulted in the power outage that lasted nearly four hours. No workers were hurt or injured during the fire.

Customers affected were in the area starting at N. 18th out to about N. 35th -- and from Clybourn on the south to Wells on the north.

We Energies said crews were able to put out the fire, but the Milwaukee Fire Department arrived on scene as a precaution. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Police directed traffic, as many traffic lights were out, and four way stops were put in place.

You can always view where the latest power outages are by visiting the We Energies Outage Map.