Transformer sparks grass fire in Oakland Hills

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Firefighters say an arcing transformer caused a grass fire in the Oakland Hills.

The sparking transformer has also knocked out electricity for about 1,300 homes.

The fire was first reported at around 3:30 a.m. Thursday off of Elverton Drive which is near Skyline Boulevard.

The fire is now contained.

Fire crews say it burned an area of about 500 feet by 500 feet.

The fire was in an area which was hard to reach and there were a lot of trees and dry brush.

Some firefighters had to use ropes to climb down to where the flames were burning.

PG&E crews told KTVU they’re looking into why the transformer blew.

The power was expected to be restored to all of the homes by 9 a.m.