Transformer fire causes power outage in Phoenix

A transformer fire in the area of 28th Avenue and Bell left around 877 customers without power.

The area affected APS customers near 35th Avenue to 27th Avenue, the outage impacted homes and businesses.

Skylar Parson went old school this morning when they rung up customers at the Bagel Gourmet off Bell and 29th Avenue.

"We did all night, broke out the Casio and put in tax and everything," said Skylar Parson.

Parson says it was around 7:30 when the power suddenly went out.

"We noticed because our machine quit working, and the other stores came around asking," said Jordan Cook.

Across the street, Jordan Cook with Maximum Fire Protection did his best to keep the job going.

"We're just doing what we can without the power, getting our measurements," said Cook.

According to APS's website, a transformer fire is to blame for the outage. Initially, it was reported that 877 customers were left in the dark as a result of the fire.

The morning commute became a bit of a mess when the traffic lights in several intersections went dark. Phoenix Police were on the scene directing drivers. They also closed off part of 29th Avenue, concerned the transformer would blow again.

One man wasn't very happy about that because he was trying to get to his distressed granddaughters.

"I was standing in front of the air vent, hands up, going come on I don't need it to be 86 in here anymore," said Parson.

Power, at least for some customers came back on an hour later, but by late morning APS was still working to restore power for the rest.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.