Transformer failure leads to garage fire

A detached garage caught fire after a transformer on a North Spokane power pole failed Saturday. At 1 p.m., Spokane Fire received a call that a transformer was broken and had fallen to the ground at 908 W. Carlisle Ave., Asst. Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said. The transformer had exploded, catching the power pole on fire. The flames had spread to the garage but did only minor damage. No one was hurt during the fire. Avista Utilities responded to several power outages Friday night and early Saturday morning as lightning left more than 7,000 without power. There are still about 50 Avista customers without power due to the storm, according to Avista’s website.