Underground downtown fire: Building evacuated, streets closed

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Crews responded Wednesday afternoon to an underground electrical fire in downtown Dayton.

According to Dayton Fire Department District Chief Andrew Wiley, firefighters were called to the area of S. Main Street around 1 p.m. in reference to a reported electrical fire.

Crews responded and discovered an underground vault owned by AES Ohio had caught fire and was trying to spread to other vaults. Wiley claims AES Ohio responded quickly and isolated the issue.

A hazmat issue was created by crews using the firefighting foam, claimed Wiley. He told 2 NEWS the foam was necessary to smother the fire. Environmental contractors now have to respond and clean up the vault.

Smoke from under Main Street reportedly entered the Reibold Building, prompting everyone inside to evacuate.

No injuries have been reported.

South Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets are currently blocked. Wiley anticipates the road to reopen before midnight.

Commuters should plan ahead if heading to the downtown area.

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