Transformer Fires Knock Out Power Throughout LA
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Scattered transformer fires around Los Angeles Monday morning left thousands of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers without electricity, authorities said.
There were as many as 20 transformer and utility pole fires early this morning, LADWP spokesman Michael Ventre said.
As of 11:30 a.m., 24,000 customers were without power, according to the LADWP. Hardest hit areas included San Pedro, Hollywood, and Venice, where video of the fire was posted to social media.
Crews have been sent out to assess the damage and repair the outages, he said. Power is expected to be fully restored within 10 to 20 hours.
LADWP said power outages during rain storms are frequently caused by falling dried palm fronds, tree branches and other debris that make contact with power lines, particularly with the first rainstorm after an extended period of time.
The fires were possibly triggered by the morning showers, Ventre said.
Power was also out to hundreds of customers in Southern California Edison areas, with Monterey Park, Artesia and Montebello hardest hit by the outage. There was no estimate available of when power would be restored to SoCal Edison areas.
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