ENID, OK - There's was quite a bit of excitement for workers near the Broadway Tower on Monday. Workers in and near the building describe hearing a loud noise and sparks coming from the west side of the building in the alley. Many nearby residents were able to video the electrical wiring sparking and burning all the down the side of the building into the basement.
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The Enid Fire Department was called around 1:30pm. Fire crews arrived in time to see the basement and bottom floors fill with smoke. Police blocked off E. Broadway as firemen entered and cleared the building. Building manager, Melissa Thornberry, helped the fire department into the basement area where the heavy smoke was coming from an older electrical box.
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Some observers speculated that a transformer in the alley had blown causing the smoke and fire. Offices on the north side of E. Broadway were left without power and the street light at Grand and Broadway was not operating.
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Firemen knocked a hole in the concrete in the alley and shot water into the basement area to knockout any remaining sparks or fire. Fire Marshal, Ken Helms, said they weren't sure of the exact cause but would be investigating.
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There did not appear to be widespread fire damage although the building was left without power. There were not many occupants in the building at the time. Enid Buzz and Emilio's Taqueria have been moving their businesses into the two front areas of the first floor. The dentist office and cigar bar were both closed at the time. All floors above the first are currently under renovation.
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Enid Buzz and Emilio's were both looking to open and participate in First Friday activities this weekend but will have to wait for electricity to be restored before they'll decided if they'll be open.
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Broadway Tower Fills With Smoke
