Downed Power Line Bursts Into Flames In Arlington

ARLINGTON (CBS) -- Police in Arlington were forced to temporarily close Hibbert Street at Rublee Street overnight after a power line fell and burst into flames.

A man who lives nearby told WBZ-TV that branches came down on the wires, causing them to come down around 1 a.m.

"If you've ever been in a missile attack, or an explosion, that's pretty much what it seemed like," neighbor Bill Amsbaugh said. "It was big and white hot light."

Bill Hickey was on his way home from work when he saw the fire. "It was over there in the middle of the street as bright as anything and I'd ever seen," he said.

The damage electrical fire left behind meant the road had to be resurfaced. Neighbors lost power for some time, but the lights are back on now. Neighbors say this entire incident could've been a lot worse.

"It could've been really dangerous, especially if it started to blow and the electrical wires caused a much larger fire," said neighbor Rose Anderson.

Police confirmed the incident was electrical, not weather related. Fortunately, no one was injured and no property was damaged.

The road was closed for hours but has since reopened.