Fire Knocks Out Power to Much of Leesburg, Full Restoration Hours Away

10:30 p.m. update: According to the City of Leesburg, two of the three distribution substations that were deenergized due to a lightning strike have been repaired and power in those areas has been restored. The third substation, where most of the damage occurred, is still being assessed. Downtown and nearby areas are still without power. Crews are working throughout the night to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Fire Department continues to battle a large fire Tuesday night at a Duke Energy electrical substation, 501 North Boulevard East near Cutrale, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi.

“LFD is still working to contain the fire and estimates for repair are eight to 12 hours; but they still can’t verify the full extent of the damage at this time,” Iozzi told Inside Lake Tuesday night.

The fire has knocked out power for miles, from Citizens Boulevard to south Leesburg and throughout Sunnyside, Silver Lake and County Road 473, Iozzi said. The station is main feeder and controlled by Duke Energy and services a large area, Iozzi said. The city is pulling power from other grids and trying to restore as much as they can, as quickly as they can, he said.

LPD has called in multiple officers to patrol and work intersections and Iozzi is asking residents to stay in if they can. If you must go out, be aware of non-functioning traffic lights.

“We want to remind everyone that controlled intersections should be treated as a four-way stop if the lights are not functioning,” Iozzi stressed.

PHOTO: Lisa Comer/Facebook
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