Fires at two transmission substations in Wisconsin's capital on Friday knocked out power to thousands of customers on the hottest day of the year to-date, sending dual plumes of thick, black smoke into the air and shutting down government buildings, courtrooms and businesses, and leading the governor to declare a state of emergency.
No injuries were reported as a result of the 7:40 a.m.
explosion and
fire at the Madison Gas and Electric main power center a few blocks from the state Capitol, which was among the buildings that were forced to close.
Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency in Madison and surrounding Dane County.