Parts of Birmingham city centre were plunged into darkness when a fire broke out in an electricity sub station.
Parts of Birmingham city centre were plunged into darkness when a fire broke out in an electricity sub station.
The fire started in the building on Sheepcoat Street in Ladywood at 0330 GMT on Saturday.
The blaze started in the building on Sheepcoat Street in Ladywood at 0330 GMT on Saturday.
Power was lost to a large area of the city centre as supplies were cut to allow firefighters to tackle the blaze.
Power was lost to a large area of the city centre as supplies were cut to allow firefighters to tackle the blaze.
In all 8,500 businesses and homes lost power. Supplies were restored to 7,000 properties after 0900 but remaining supplies could be off all day.
In all 8,500 businesses and homes lost power. Supplies were restored to 7,000 properties after 0900 but remaining areas could be without power all day.
Street lights and traffic signals were also knocked out in the Broad Street, Brindley Place and Smallbrook Queensway areas.
Street lights and traffic signals were knocked out in the city centre Broad Street, Brindley Place and Smallbrook Queensway areas.
Alan Pellowe, area commander for West Midlands Fire Service said, the fire is believed to have been started because insulation came away from cabling carrying 11,000 volts causing electricity to ark between cables in the sub station.
"Electricity supplies had to be isolated at the sub station so we could tackle the fire safely," he said.
About 30 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire which was put out by 0830 GMT.
Supplies to 7,400 customers were reconnected gradually just after 0900 GMT.
"We don't know at this stage how long it will take to restore supplies to the remaining customers until electricity engineers can get in and assess the damage," said Mr Pellowe.
"Supplies will be reconnected if it is safe to do so."
He said the remaining businesses and customers could be off for the rest of the day.
He added that people who depended on electricity for medical treatment, like those on kidney dialysis at home, had been contacted by local hospitals so they could come into hospital for treatment if necessary.
Are you in the areas affected by the blackouts? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. You can send us your pictures and videos to:yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100.
