Toms River 'Dangerous' Pole Fire At Sandy-Damaged Home Causes Power Outages

A utility pole fire at a Hurricane Sandy-damaged home caused power outages Friday as police worked to warn the public about potential danger. 

At 8:22 a.m., police responded to 182 Baystream Drive in the Silverton section of town on a fire report. The home, which was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, was undergoing repairs, police said.

A waste management company was removing a dumpster from the site when it struck an overhead power line. The impact caused tension on the main power supply lines, which then forced two utility poles to bend under the strain and come loose at their bases, police said.

The wires broke free and fell onto trees and the ground, causing several fires. The Silverton Fire Co. was not able to readily extinguish the fire because of exposed live electrical wires, causing a dangerous situation, police said. 

Power was out in the surrounding area and roadway detours are in place.  There was no estimate yet as to how long power would be interrupted or how many residents would be affected.