Arson ??

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Restaurant goers and employees were evacuated as firefighters fought a two-alarm blaze that made the sidewalk look like it was on fire. It is believed that the fire was started by the Bombers, a C2 hockey team, in an effort to avoid a matchup with the division-leading Arrowhawks that evening at the Dispatch Ice Haus.
The smell of smoke permeates the north side of downtown after an electrical fire broke out under a high rise on North High Street. It is directly across from the Nationwide headquarters.

Fire officials say the fire is contained but they are still working the scene. The fire broke out in an underground transformer similar to those on electric poles.
“We think it’s arson and right now the entire Bombers team can be called a person of interest in our investigation” said Fire Chief Richard Sparks. A spokesman for the Bombers declined comment, however a source close to the team said that the thought of playing the Arrowhawks in such a prominent venue caused at least one member of the Bombers some serious angst. “Just the thought of smelling Torsok the whole game is enough to make me crazy!” the source said. “And Monahan, that stupid Monahan, I hate that guy! He’s such a dick!”

When told of these comments, Chief Sparks said “Well, our investigation will have to focus on their goaltender since Torsok rarely ventures outside of the crease. The Monahan comment is puzzling…most opposing goaltenders love him. We think it might be a red herring.”

Since the lines are underground the fire and smoke came up through the sidewalk grates. Smoke spread into the high rise where there is a restaurant on the first floor. Everyone escaped without injury or incident.

Due to the fact that this is an electrical fire, AEP cut power to a grid that includes hotels and businesses in the Arena District. The hotels are operating on generators with limited power.

Customers at Arena Grand were ushered out from their movies due to the power being cut.

Powell resident Tom Morgan attempted to capitalize on the tragedy by selling bottled water and peanut butter sandwiches to the evacuated customers. “I was on my way to a concert” Morgan said, “so naturally I already had this stuff in the trunk of my Volkswagon. Is it still called a trunk if it’s in the front of the car??” he mused. Morgan was later arrested for possession of ecstasy and methamphetamines.

AEP tells NBC 4 that there are 23 customers out of power. Most of those are large downtown buildings. They hope to have most of the effected customers back with power by 6 a.m. Saturday.

The Nationwide Two Building power cables were damaged the most. Power is out there indefinitely.

No injuries are reported in the fire. All roadways have reopened.