Power Lines Fall in Wisconsin Windstorm

Racine authorities say live power lines came down during a windstorm, sparking a fire at a marina that caused an estimated $100,000 in damage.

Fire Capt. Nick Comande says the fire was reported Friday about 11 a.m. at the Racine Riverside Marina. It was extinguished in about half an hour, with no injuries reported.

He says it’s unclear whether the wind caused a mast to touch the power lines or whether the lines came down.

Either way, the fire sent up billows of thick black smoke, causing severe damage to three boats.

A report in The Journal Times of Racine says the fire and power outages prompted the closure of three local elementary schools.

The National Weather Service says winds in the area had gusts up to 45 mph.