Update 7/24/2013, LASD:

Deputy Sheriff’s from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station found the original cause of the downed power lines which caused a transformer to explode sparking a small brush fire in Canyon Country.

In the rear parking lot at the 26700 block of Ruether Avenue, there was a power pole that had been knocked over by an unknown vehicle which appeared to have driven over the power pole support wire. The weight of the vehicle pulled the power pole down to the ground and partially onto a couple of parked trucks. The downed pole also caused the power lines to drop to the ground in several places. The person who struck the support wire left the location.

The blown transformer caused a power outage affecting many homes and businesses in Canyon Country for nearly three hours. Workers from the Santa Clarita City, Southern California Edison and Caltrans responded to the location to restore power.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff deputies are investigating a hit and run accident at this time. No structures were damaged by the fire.

7/23/2013:

2:26 AM – Some residents are reporting restored power in parts of the Soledad Canyon Road and Rainbow Glen Drive area.

1:34 AM – All traffic lights in affected areas are dark and are not flashing. City public works vehicles are placing reflective stop signs at each intersection. Streets are pitch black. Lights are out for 1,768 customers.

1:12 AM – Police activity at power transmission towers near Golden Valley Road and Centre Pointe Parkway.

1:03 AM – Lights are out from Rainbow Glen to Via Princessa, the Walmart Shopping Center, along Soledad from Camp Plenty to Ruether, along Golden Valley, Center Pointe. Fire department is stationed on Center Pointe until station is powered. Sheriff’s department is stationed along Golden Valley Road.

12:34 AM – Pitch black on Rainbow Glen Drive.

12:05 AM – Edison says power outage in Canyon Country is widespread. Witnesses from around the city are reporting a large white flash and several loud bangs.

Original Story – Shortly before midnight, 1,728 customers lost power in Canyon Country. Southern California Edison crews are working to determine the source of the problem.

The estimated restoration time is still being determined.