The sudden appearance of a large black cloud of smoke, topped by a perfect black smoke ring high in the sky, caught the attention of many Branford residents May 26 at approximately 7 p.m.  Smartphone camera images cropped up as local social media began lighting up with posts and questions about the cause of the smoke.

The Sound's Facebook page posted an image shared with permission from Branford resident Jenny Royka, who captured the cloud and ring in an impressive shot taken from the outdoor dining area at Nellie Green's Restaurant on Maple Street.

Branford Fire Department (BFD) responded to the report of a Meadow Street structure fire, caused by an exploding electrical transformer over a portion of Amtrak rail line behind 149 Meadow St.  According to BFD, the resulting fire spread to a boat and dump truck at the back of a business adjancent to the rail line. BFD's quick actions stopped the fire and also stopped it from extending into the Meadow Street building. No injuries were reported.