Cable Fire Cuts Power For Some in Northwest

Around 2,900 downtown office buildings and homes -- as well as traffic signals at some intersections -- were without power early this morning because of an underground cable fire in the area of 17th and M Streets NW.

A District Department of Transportation spokeswoman said traffic signals were out along Connecticut Avenue at the intersections of DeSales Street and Rhode Island Avenue; along 17th Street at the intersections of Massachusetts Avenue, Rhode Island Avenue and M Street; and at the intersection of 15th and L streets NW.

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Work crews were setting up mobile stop signs and working with police to control traffic at those intersections, the spokeswoman said.

PEPCO officials said crews were working on repairs and also trying to reroute service around the affected area. A company spokesman said power should be restored beginning around 8 a.m., though it may take longer for repairs to reach all customers.

-- By Debbi Wilgoren and Howard Schneider