ROCKLAND — A transformer fire in Rockland might be the cause of power outages in nearby Thomaston, Thursday, April 13. 

At 5:10 p.m., Rockland Fire Department was alerted to a transformer on fire outside Maritime Energy on Park Street. The flames from the top of the utility pole also dropped sparks to the ground.

Fire trucks were used to close a portion of road between Park Street and Payne Avenue while firefighters waited for Central Maine Power linesmen to arrive. The first arriving linesman used a bucket ladder to ascend to the top of the pole and sprayed the flames with a fire extinguisher. At that time, the persistent flames resisted. A second arriving linesman then ascended from a different angle and smothered the flames with a different extinguisher. 

While the fire occurred, there were reports of power outages in the vicinity of the Walmart intersection in Thomaston.

All firefighters returned to their station at 6:20 p.m.