Electrical Problem Shuts Down Power at Fenton Police Station

The is running on generator power after a snap, crackle and pop was followed by smoke coming from an underground electrical line around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Robert Cairnduff said employees heard some power surges that were banging and popping and went outside and saw smoke coming from the northwest corner of the building near a transformer. There was smoke, but no fire as far as he could tell, Cairnduff said.

"They may have an underground wire arcing," Cairnduff said.

A wire arc is a live wire that becomes disconnected and moves around freely, sparking and possibly catching on fire.

The area was roped off and Consumers Energy workers were addressing the situation Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m.

They were other electrical problems in the area as well on Monday when the wind knocked a large tree on South Long Lake Road, taking out power lines and causing another to arc and catch the tree on fire Cairnduff said.

The incident also led to a blown transformer, knocking out power for any area residents. South Long Lake Road had to be shut down for several hours as a Consumers Energy crew worked on the problem.