I-15 back open, multiple outages and downed power lines reported in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS — Interstate 15 is back open and electricity is being restored following multiple downed power lines and outages Monday night.

The city of Idaho Falls received the first report of a problem around 11:10 p.m. on the 1400 block of Lindsay Boulevard. A driver reported that a power pole was on fire and a power line across I-15 had the potential of falling. The Idaho Falls Fire Department and Idaho State Police responded to the area. The power line came down across the interstate, near Teton Stage Lines, and ISP shut down I-15.

A few minutes later, more crews were dispatched to the 900 block of Northgate Mile by U-haul for a report that two power poles were on fire. The reporting person said there were a lot of flames and wind was causing the fire to spread. The power pole was actively sparking and Idaho Falls Power was notified. Law enforcement shut down Elva, Holmes and Northgate Mile. A nearby Mexican restaurant and gas station were evacuated as a safety precaution.

As a result of the power outage, the Idaho Falls Fire Department was called to the 600 block of Lindsay Boulevard around 11:45 p.m.for a report of a man trapped in an elevator. Crews were able to get him out but he did suffer a medical emergency, according to spokeswoman Kerry Hammon.

Shortly after midnight Tuesday, crews were dispatched to the 1400 block of W. Colorado Avenue for a report that a power pole was smoldering in a backyard. Rocky Mountain Power was also notified.

Idaho State Police reopened I-15 around 4 a.m. and power crews were in the process of restoring electricity across the area.

EastIdahoNews.com will post updates to this story as we learn more.

?Transformer Explosions ?

The road is closed on Interstate 15 north of Idaho Falls (Milepost 119). There are a number of downed Powerlines on the highway.

Call 511 or go to https://t.co/08B9eTbchg for updates. pic.twitter.com/JUhdTL0XMf

— Idaho State Police (@ISPeasternIdaho) March 9, 2021