BUCKFIELD — Fire crews made quick work of a grass fire that started when a transformer blew and fell to the ground outside an empty building on Depot Street.

Witnesses said the transformer sizzled and popped before the grass beneath it caught fire at about 6 p.m., across the street from 104 Depot St.

Flames spread from the grass to a utility pole that burned almost all the way to the top before firefighters snuffed it out.

When the call came in, Buckfield firefighters called for help from crews in nearby towns, although those extra crews were called off a short time later.

Firefighters knocked down the fire before it spread to the building. A Central Maine Power worker was sent to the area to assess damage to the transformer and lines.