WHITE RIVER JUNCTION - A kamikaze squirrel managed to knock out power to downtown White River Junction Thursday afternoon by igniting a power pole at the base of the hill behind Northern Stage.

    The fire at the top section of the pole was spotted shortly after 2:30 p.m. and, although it was barely visible at first, it continued to grow for approximately a half an hour until the upper sections of the pole were a mix of orange and pink flames punctuated by frequent zapping noises and bright white flashes.

Hartford firefighters kept an eye on the situation

    Shortly after 3 p.m., Green Mountain Power crews deliberately de-engerized the main downtown circuit, leaving buildings from the Hartford Town Hall clear across to South Main Street without power.

    Line crews were able to quickly determine that a squirrel was responsible because his charred tail was hanging off the top of the pole.

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