WALDWICK, NJ (WABC) --
Nearly 40 families are back in their homes after an explosion and fire at an electrical substation in New Jersey. The transformers exploded due to overheating or defective components.The area surrounding a PSE&G substation on Hopper Avenue in Waldwick was evacuated Sunday morning after the explosion shook nearby homes. The flames are currently contained, but firefighters remain at the scene.
The utility says the fire was caused by an equipment failure.
The fire, reported at about 10:40 a.m., sent thick, black smoke into the air over the area. Foam was used to contain the blaze, and residents were advised to close their windows. Mayor Tom Giordino says the fire was never at any time toxic to the residents of the community.
"I thought something hit my house. I thought a car hit the house. It rattled everything - me and the dog jumped a mile," said resident Andrew Riccardo.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Meanwhile, with the substation right by the New Jersey Transit train tracks, service was disrupted for part of the day. As of Sunday night, service was back up and running, and is expected to be okay for the Monday morning commute.