Transformer Explosion Threatens French Lace Factory

Explosions emanating from a lace factory awoke nearby residents Wednesday night in northern France, local media report.

At about 11 p.m., smoke and fire issued from an electrical transformer near the entrance to the Storme factory in Calais. Many factories in France are closed this week for a religious holiday known as Assomption de Marie au ciel.

Firefighters from Calais and Marck moved heavy emergency equipment to the scene, including an aerial ladder and pumper trucks. Nearby residents were ordered evacuated with a security perimeter established around the factory.

The fire was brought under control when the local utility cut service to the factory, isolating the burning transformer. No injuries were reported.