UPDATE: Squirrel causes power outage in central Columbia

UPDATE 8:45 a.m.: Columbia Water and Light customers were affected by two separate power outages Wednesday morning, according to the utility’s spokesperson.

Lucia Bourgeois, spokesperson for Columbia Water and Light, said one outage was caused by a squirrel getting into a fuse box, which caused the fuse to blow. Bourgeois said the other outage was transformer-related, and that crews are working to get it repaired.

As of 8:45 a.m., the outage map showed that 75 customers are without power.

UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: Columbia Water and Light crews said a squirrel caused a power outage in central Columbia Wednesday morning.

Crews said the squirrel got into the fuse box, which caused it to blow. The squirrel did not survive.

Crews said they are repairing the fuse and power should be restored soon after.

Lucia Bourgeois, spokesperson for Columbia Water and Light, said that because of the heat it’s important for customers to drink lots of water and spend time in cool places. Bourgeois said if the power goes out, customers should call even on the holiday because Water and Light staff will be working.

ORIGINAL: Columbia Water and Light customers in central Columbia are experiencing a power outage Wednesday morning, according to the utility’s online outage map.

The map showed that as of 7:15 a.m., about 151 people are without power.

ABC 17 News heard reports that a fuse went out near 8th Street, but that information has not yet been confirmed.

ABC 17 News crews said traffic lights are affected near the Boone County Courthouse.

This is a developing story. ABC 17 News will update this story once more information is available.