Transformer May Be To Blame

A transformer may be to blame for a late night apartment fire in Santa Monica, officials said Friday.

The fire was reported around 10:45 p.m. Thursday at 850 2nd Street, the Santa Monica Fire Department said.

When crews arrived on scene, they saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the third floor of the complex.

Firefighters were quickly able to put out the flames in under an hour and limit the damage.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but "witnesses accounts have revealed that prior to the fire, a large explosion from an adjacent transformer was observed," Deputy Chief Tom Clemo said.

Five of the complex's 50 residents were displaced.

One person suffered a minor injury.

A damage estimate was not available.