An overnight electrical fire that sparked last week in the city’s underbelly that sent manhole covers flying with flames bursting 10 feet into the air could have been much more dire, potentially causing injuries or worse, had it unfolded during the day when pedestrians and drivers were on the street and sidewalk, Colorado Springs fire chief said.

When firefighters arrived downtown shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, the ground rumbled like the sound of a jet engine because of a power surge due to the electrical nature of the fire, Chief Randy Royal said.

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While there had been other electrical issues in the past, Royal, a member of the Colorado Springs Fire Department since 1987, said he had not seen an electrical fire of this magnitude in the city.

But working jointly with Colorado Springs Utilities helped make the response to the fire speedy and effective.

“That’s one thing that has changed over the years,” Royal said. “… To have that face to face with command staff makes all the difference in the world.”

Despite the bulk of the fire being extinguished within 15 minutes and the fire being deemed under control by 4:30 a.m. with no injuries reported, the blaze beneath the street had consequences including damaged city infrastructure and a power outage that disrupted workers and cost businesses money due to lost inventory, such as refrigerated goods.

A portion of East Kiowa Street near South Tejon Street will remain closed for several weeks or longer because Utilities’ crews had to excavate beneath the street level to work on electrical repairs near the fire’s origin, said Steve Berry, a spokesman with Utilities.

Workers had to be highly conscientious during the repair process because of older water infrastructure in that area, Berry said, noting that one pipe in particular had proved to be especially tricky.

“We don’t want to cause another outage,” Berry said. “We’re trying to be extra careful.”

The city proactively replaced one transformer, but most of the work consisted of replacing wire damaged in the fire, Berry said, adding that the city is still investigating which equipment caused the fire.

The ongoing road closure, which has affected some of the surrounding alleyways, could continue to impact business along that corridor.

“I think there is an especially unique situation that will have lasting impacts that needs to be taken seriously,” said Susan Edmondson, president and CEO of The Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs. “Even for (businesses) that may have business disruption insurance, this type (of) situation is pretty difficult. It may be tough in terms of what type of support they may be able to get.”

Businesses can call the city claims office at 719-385-5125, but Edmonson said continuing to frequent those businesses is the best form of support until the street fully reopens.

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