WEST MIDDLESEX, PA. Downed line sparks fires

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. -- A downed power line on Main Street caused problems for businesses along state Route 18.
A Penn Power spokesman said the line hit another live circuit just before 10 a.m. Friday. It wasn't immediately determined if someone had hit the pole supporting the line, he said.
Firefighters said that as a result of the lines' touching, a power surge caused minor fires at Black's Market Place on Route 18 in the borough and the nearby Super 8 Motel on Route 18 in Shenango Township.
Firefighters said the problem at Black's was traced to a roof air-conditioning unit that caught fire and pumped smoke into the store, causing those inside to evacuate.
The blaze caused minimal damage, firefighters said.
The fire at Super 8 was limited to the motel's laundry room and caused minimal damage as well, firefighters said.
The power outage briefly affected other businesses, including the West Middlesex Diner, next to Black's. The spokesman said electrical service was restored within about an hour.
Fire crews from West Middlesex and Hermitage responded to the call at Black's, and Shenango Township firefighters went to the motel.