Utility Pole Fire Causes New Year's Eve Power Outages In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — A utility pole fire upset New Year's Eve festivities in Bel Air on Wednesday, cutting power to nearby homes and businesses and causing disruptions to traffic in the area.

Shortly before 2:45 p.m., Bel Air police officers responded to a report of a utility pole fire on Pennsylvania Avenue between Main Street and Hickory Avenue.

About three hours later, police said crews discovered a potential natural gas leak at the same location as they worked to contain the fire. As a precaution, authorities closed Main Street between Churchville Road and Lee Street to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, allowing crews to investigate the leak and complete necessary repair work.

During this phase of the incident, police said a larger power outage was reported in downtown Bel Air.

Main Street reopened around 7 p.m. after authorities determined the area was safe.

In an interview with WBAL, Paul Yosua, one of the owners of Das Bierhalle Bel Air, said his business lost customers for several hours after the fire occurred.

"We had a full bar, and then, all of a sudden, everything just went, and we lost power to everything," Yosua told WBAL.

Pennsylvania Avenue remained closed on Thursday, and localized power outages remained in the immediate downtown area, police said. Power has since been restored for most customers, but those still experiencing issues are encouraged to contact BGE directly.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.