Transformer explosion triggers power outage in Ramona

Saturday, Aug. 24—

A transformer that exploded behind Ramona Fire Station 80 at 829 San Vicente Road early today left about 900 SDG&E customers without power.

The incident occurred about 7:45 a.m. at the station south of H Street, Cal Fire/Ramona firefighter-paramedic Brandon Morgan said.

“We were just sitting in the station and we heard an explosion outside and we went out and a power pole was on fire about 200 yards away,’’ Morgan said.

Prompt action by firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before it spread.

Initially, customers in the Barona, El Capitan, South Ramona and Iron Mountain areas were without power, SDG&E reported.

Power had been restored to all but 272 of those customers by 10:30 a.m.

The remaining customers were expected to have their power restored by 11:30 a.m. SDG&E said.

The cause of the power outage was under investigation.