Transformer Explosion on Lewiston Hill Knocks Out Power to More Than 1,100 Residents
A transformer explosion on the Lewiston Hill left more than 1,100 Lewiston residences without electricity Thursday evening, with fire and smoke visible near the base of the hill around 8:45 p.m. The blaze appeared to be extinguished shortly after it broke out.
Avista’s outage map showed the affected area covering portions of 21st Street northward from approximately 12th Avenue. The utility initially estimated power would be restored by 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Lewiston police officers were deployed to direct traffic at several busy intersections within the darkened area.
Second Fire on the Hill This Week
Thursday’s incident marks the second fire on the Lewiston Hill within a matter of days. On Monday night, a scrap pile at Sutton Salvage ignited. Owner Mitch Sutton said the Monday fire was likely sparked by a lithium-ion battery that had inadvertently ended up mixed in with scrap metal.
No injuries were reported in connection with Thursday’s outage event. Residents in the affected neighborhoods were advised to use caution at uncontrolled intersections until traffic signals were restored.
For more on recent public safety activity in Lewiston, see the latest on a collision involving a Lewiston Police patrol vehicle currently under investigation by the Idaho State Police.