Transformer Fire and Explosion Smokes Up Skies; Briefly Shuts Traffic Around Geary Road

A transformer explosion set off a one-alarm fire that briefly disrupted traffic on Geary Road in Walnut Creek this morning, authorities said.

The transformer was housed at the pumping station for the East Bay Municipal Utility District near the intersection of Geary Road and Putnam Boulevard. The transformer blew out and caught fire but caused no injuries and no disruption of service. 

Contra Costa Consolidated Fire District Marshal Lewis Broschard said the cause is still under investigation but is likely due to a mechanical failure. 

 Walnut Creek police issued a community alert at 7:52 a.m. to let residents know that a fire had shut down Geary Road between Buena Vista Avenue and Hall Lane.

Motorists were being allowed to leave the area but weren't being allowed in, police said. A Contra Costa County Fire Protection District dispatcher said at about 8 a.m. that the small blaze had been controlled.

--Bay City News Service contributed to this report.