Over 300 BC Hydro customers in Burnaby spent the night without power after a fire Thursday.

The fire broke out in an alley on Imperial Street near Royal Oak Avenue around 11 p.m.

A utility pole was damaged, knocking down some power lines near an apartment building which prevented crews from accessing the source of the fire.

BC Hydro estimates over 300 customers went the night without power. (BC Hydro)

"It's very dangerous for the crews, they had to stand back," said Assistant Chief Eric Vogel, with the Burnaby Fire Department.

"While the wires were live, we can't really get in there and put the fire out."

The fire appeared to have started in a pile of debris near a utility pole.

BC Hydro estimates the area near Imperial Street between Nelson Avenue and Royal Oak Avenue should see power restored around 9 a.m. Friday.

With files from Gian-Paolo Mendoza