By Bill Lindelof and Cathy Locke
blindelof@sacbee.com
Arson is suspected in a fire that caused a power outage at approximately 12,000 residences and businesses in southern parts of Sacramento on Tuesday night, a Fire Department spokesman said today.
The outage occurred at 9:07 p.m., about the time a fire was reported at 35th Avenue and South Land Park Drive, at a city water drain station, Sacramento Fire Department officials said.
Arson investigators say the fire apparently was set, said Capt. Jonathan Burgess, fire department spokesman.
In a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, Burgess said an inspection and investigation by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and fire investigators determined that the fire started on the ground on or near a mattress. Burgess said SMUD officials reported that transformers in the area were tested and found to be intact and functioning properly.
According to fire investigators, the fire spread up trees and came in contact with power lines.
Because of the power loss, fire crews had to be alerted by telephone. Firefighters at a station nearby at 43rd Avenue and Gloria Drive saw the glow of the fire and responded to the blaze, which was quickly extinguished, fire officials said.
The fire was reported first to be burning in a trash bin. However, firefighters soon learned that trees were on fire, Burgess said. A small portion of the fence around the water station also was burned.
Power was out for about 12,000 SMUD customers in the South Land Park, Pocket and Greenhaven for nearly two hours.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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