Hundreds of properties were temporarily left without power after an electricity substation in Trafford went up in flames.
The drama unfolded in the Broadheath area of Altrincham at around 9:15am.
Workers at a neighbouring concrete plant raised the alarm after spotting flames coming from the substation on Craven Road.
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Others nearby reported hearing loud bangs as plumes of thick black smoke began to billow over the area.
Three fire engines from Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe attended with crews finding the substation, which is on a public footpath just off George Richards Way, "well alight."
A cordon was put in place with a number of surrounding roads including Craven Road, George Richards Way and Barlow Road were being closed, with police officers standing guard, as firefighters tackled the blaze with locals being urged to avoid the area.
Supply to the substation was isolated and firefighters were able to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading to neighboring buildings and trees, the incident commander confirmed.
No injuries were reported.
Just over 1,500 properties were left without power immediately following the outbreak of the fire, Electricity North West (ENW) said.
House alarms at nearby homes could be heard blaring after being triggered by the outage.
All but a handful of properties had supplies restored within seven minutes.
Road closures were lifted at around 11:30am however firefighters remained at the scene into the afternoon dousing water on the visibly gutted substation which chiefs said was still very hot inside.
Just one industrial unit remains without power ENW said.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
A spokesperson for ENW said: “A fire at our substation in Craven Road, Altrincham, caused a power cut to 1,566 properties this morning at 9:33am.
“Engineers responded immediately and were able to remotely restore power to 1,548 properties within three minutes.
"Supplies were then restored to a further seven customers by 10:50am.
“One industrial property remains without power whilst our teams, alongside the local fire service, make the area service and also investigate the cause.
“For the latest updates visit www.enwl.co.uk , call us on 105 or follow Electricity North West on Twitter or Facebook .”
