Bird Causes Power Outage, Sparks Fire

UPDATED as of 6:22 a.m.:

Several Patch readers emailed and commented about a power outage in Pleasanton around 5:00 p.m.

According to the PG&E website, the power went out around 4:54 p.m. for 3463 customers.

Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi of Livermore Pleasanton Fire wrote:

A vegetation fire was reported at approximately 3:53 PM at 455 Sycamore Rd in Pleasanton. Initial reports were several fires were burning in the area.

Upon the arrival of the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department's we determined two small vegetation fires were burning a few blocks apart. The first at the corners of Sycamore Rd and Sycamore Creek; the second was at Sycamore Creek and Dalton Creek. Both fires were contained within 15 minutes and totaled approximately 1/2 an acre.

At no time were structures threatened by the fire. Some of the roads were blocked by downed power lines in the area slowing access of arriving fire apparatus.

The fire appears to be caused by a large bird landing on a power line causing it to ground. Several power lines were down in the area causing the two small vegetation fires and causing a power outage to the area. PG&E is on scene isolating the damage and working to restore power.

Four fire engines and two chief officers responded to the incident for a total 15 personnel. Several Pleasanton Police Officers assisted with traffic control and securing access around the down power lines during the emergency.

April Mitchell, the Alameda County Fair spokesperson said the Alameda County Fair was not been affected by the outage.

Power was returned to most customers by 8:00 p.m. and is fully restored this morning.

Were you without power in Pleasanton? Patch us your comments in the comments section below.