Fire at PECO substation leaves 36,000 without power

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - A roaring fire at PECO's Westmoreland Station knocked out power to 36,000 customers at the peak of the ordeal.

PECO officials say the substation had to be de-energized for firefighters to work the scene. The outage even extended to traffic lights.

The School District of Philadelphia announced that the Philadelphia High School for Girls (1400 W. Olney) and EW Rhodes Middle School (2900 W. Clearfield St.) will be closed on Wednesday, March 8. All after-school activities including all athletic programs and professional development sessions scheduled for Wednesday are canceled as well.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.