Jason Pohl

jasonpohl@coloradoan.com

A squirrel shorted out conductors on a power pole, sparking a southwest Loveland grass fire that sent crews scrambling Wednesday afternoon.

Loveland Fire Rescue Authority crews were dispatched about noon to the 900 block of South Taft Avenue on reports of a small grass fire that was sparked when a transformer exploded. Light winds quickly fanned the fire, sending it through light grasses and some thicker brush, briefly raising concerns that it could make a run toward homes and other buildings in the area.

Crews from across Northern Colorado, including Poudre Fire Authority, responded to assist and had the fire contained by about 2 p.m., after it scorched about 5.6 acres of land.

Nobody was injured, no structures were damaged, and mop-up operations lasted into the afternoon.

Reporter Jason Pohl covers breaking news for the Coloradoan. Follow him on Twitter: @pohl_jason.