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Fire Damages Citgo Sign

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Oct 15, 2008 1:47 pm US/Eastern

Fire Damages Citgo Sign

BOSTON (WBZ) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 2: A small area of black soot could be seen on one side of the sign facing downtown.
WBZ
Click to enlarge 2 of 2: The other side of the sign was not damaged.
WBZ

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A fire burned part of the landmark Citgo sign in Kenmore Square Wednesday.

It started just before noon and was put out a few minutes later. A small area of black soot could be seen on one side of the sign.

The fire department told WBZ a police officer and a worker spotted the flames around 11:45 a.m.

Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said it was likely caused by an electrical short circuit and estimated the damage at about $5,000.

The Citgo sign has been part of the Boston skyline for decades.

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An early version was built in 1940. The current version has sat atop Kenmore Square since 1965.

It's said to be the largest sign in New England.

It was once illuminated with five miles of neon tubes, until a 2005 renovation, when the neon was replaced by LED's.