Pole fire downtown leaves thousands without power: Toronto Hydro

Published Wednesday, May 15, 2024 11:26AM EDT
Last Updated Wednesday, May 15, 2024 11:26AM EDT

Toronto Hydro says a squirrel is to blame for a transformer fire that has left thousands of customers without power in the city's downtown core. 

A spokesperson for Toronto Fire told CP24 that a transformer pole caught fire near George Street and King Street East, resulting in a power outage in the surrounding area. Toronto Hydro estimates that about 6,500 customers are currently without power.

Toronto Hydro is on scene working to repair the damaged equipment. 

“Crews are on site working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to all affected customers,” Toronto Hydro said in an email to CP24. “We’ll provide an update as soon as more information becomes available.”