Transformer Causes Van Fire

A transformer fell on a parked van during Hurricane Sandy and when power was restored to the transformer Thursday night, it blew and the van caught fire, West Caldwell fire officials said.

The van fire was at the rear of 585 Bloomfield Avenue, near the Atrium Apartments. No one was injured but the fire could not be put out for two hours until Public Service Electric & Gas arrived to shut down the wires, said Fire Chief Jim Alvine.

At the same time the van was burning, a wire on Melrose Place that had fallen during the storm also set the street on fire when power was restored to that area. Both fires were extinguished and no one was injured, but a section of Bloomfield Avenue had to be closed temporarily while fire and police officials worked in the area.

Alvine said firefighters have been working nonstop since Monday afternoon and have received around 85 emergency calls in that time because of the storm.