Fire at JCP&L substation knocks out power to thousands in Vernon Township area; most restored, investigation ongoing
VERNON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – A fire at the Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) substation in Vernon Township prompted evacuations and road closures Tuesday night.
According to Mayor Anthony Rossi, approximately 17,000 gallons of mineral oil used to cool the substation was on fire. The fire has since been extinguished, and residents who were evacuated from the immediate area have been cleared to return home. The Vernon Fire Department remained open to assist displaced residents during the emergency.
Foam trucks, including one from Picatinny Arsenal and others from as far as Garfield, were dispatched to help extinguish the fire.
Vernon Township police closed Route 94 near Mountain Creek North during the response. As of 1:25 a.m. Wednesday, the road has reopened. Residents of Vanderhoof Court, who were among those evacuated, were able to return home shortly after the fire was brought under control.
JCP&L spokesperson Chris Hoenig confirmed to RNJ on Wednesday morning that a fire at the company’s Vernon substation affected 4,836 customers. Service has been restored to all but 1, with full restoration estimated by 3:00 p.m.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Hoenig emphasized that safety has been a top priority throughout the response.
In a statement from the Vernon Township School District (VTSD), the district confirmed that power and systems have been restored to all buildings, but due to the ongoing impact of the event, VTSD will operate on a delayed opening schedule for May 14.
