Apartment Fire Displaces 10-20 Residents

A woman suffered smoke inhalation in a fire in a Santa Monica apartment building caused by a transformer explosion, authorities said today.

The transformer exploded in an alley by the 800 block of Second Street in Santa Monica around 10:45 p.m. Thursday, Santa Monica Fire Department Deputy Chief Tom Clemo said.

At least one apartment was destroyed by fire, with the rest of the building's third floor off-limits for the rest of the night, Clemo said.

As many as 50 people were evacuated with between 10 to 20 likely needing alternative housing, Clemo said.

--City News Service