Parts of Washington and St. Clair streets remain closed today following a water-main break that may also have contributed to an underground fire in the area.

A 12-inch water pipe ruptured about 3 a.m. at the intersection of Washington St. Clair streets, said Sam Thomas, the manager of the city’s water distribution department. He did not say what caused the rupture.

With the area still cordoned off, an underground fire was reported at the same location at 9:01 a.m. Department of Public Utilities officials said the water main break may have caused electrical problems leading to the fire.

Toledo Edison and city water division crews remained on scene in the afternoon, with Washington Street between South Huron and South Saint Clair streets blocked off.

Firefighters at the scene said smoke initially emitted from a manhole at the intersection, and was quickly brought under control. Fire trucks then rotated at the scene every two hours, standing by for water division and utility works.

Chris Eck, Toledo Edison spokesman, said the water main break had flooded an underground vault, causing electric lines in the vault to short out. As a result two businesses in the area, including the Ye Olde Durty Bird restaurant at 2 S. St. Clair St., lost electric service.

As of about 3 p.m., crews at the scene continued to pump water from the vault, Mr. Eck said. The utility expects to restore electricity to the effected businesses from another source by about 3:45 p.m., he said.

The water service in the city was not affected, a city spokesman said.

First Published July 8, 2015, 11:42 a.m.