PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Highway 26 was closed between the Sylvan Hill and Highway 217 through Tuesday morning after an overnight fire damaged powerlines, knocking out power for hundreds and creating a hazard along the Sunset Highway.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue said its crews were called out to a power pole fire on SW Barnes Road late Monday night.

Crews put the fire out, but it caused damage to the power lines and created a hazard for the MAX line and nearby highway.

Portland General Electric (PGE) crews worked through the night and morning to replace the damaged lines.

The highway was back open shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday.

PGE said the incident was caused by a rare “pole-top fire,” which can be caused when dust and other contaminants build up at the top of a pole over a long dry stretch, and the debris causes heat or arcing when it gets damp, igniting dry wood.

“We understand how frustrating this can be for people, especially during the morning commute. We’re working as quickly as safety allows,” the PGE spokesperson said.

DETOUR INFO

Drivers were asked to postpone their trips if at all possible, or consider finding another route.

Westbound drivers were rerouted to the Sylvan exit for a detour to Highway 217. From there, they could rejoin Highway 26 westbound at the 217 interchange.

Eastbound drivers could take Highway 217 southbound to Canyon Road, heading east and rejoining Highway 26 eastbound at the Sylvan onramp.

Some drivers heading north on Highway 217 could also take Barnes Road to Burnside, heading up over the hill into Portland.

POWER OUTAGES & TRIMET

Portland General Electric said its crews were working through the morning to make the emergency repairs.

“Road reopening and power restoration have different timelines, because crews can make the area safe for traffic before all electrical repairs needed to restore service are complete,” a PGE spokesperson told KATU.

At about 5:30 a.m., Portland General Electric was reporting more than 2,500 customers without power near Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. That number had dropped to just over 400 by about 7 a.m.

TriMet said that the power outage was impacting MAX train traffic at the Sunset Transit Center.

They were offering shuttle buses for riders.

Here’s a live look at traffic impacts, and the potential detours you can take from the KATU News Live Drive:

This is a developing story; updates will be posted as information comes in.