A beaver is being blamed for a small brush fire that broke out at Lougheed Highway and 105th Avenue in Maple Ridge Monday afternoon.

Maple Ridge Fire Chief Peter Grootendorst said the fire started when a tree fell on some live power lines, sparking a fire.

Grootendorst said it was immediately apparent why the tree went down.

"The crews on scene reported that there were definite markings on the tree that the beaver had been working on the tree," he said.

"Now, whether it was just recent or if a gust of wind came up and the tree was already weakened, we're not sure."

There were no beaver sightings reported.

"But his work was definitely there," Grootendorst said.

Police closed Lougheed Highway to westbound traffic between Tamarack Lane and 105th Avenue to allow fire and BC Hydro crews access to the site.

BC Hydro reported that the power was cut for about 1,075 customers in the area of the downed tree.