Officials: Downed Pg&e Power Line Ignited Marin County Blaze

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fire officials say a downed Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power line ignited a blazed in Marin County that prompted mandatory evacuations.

The blaze that started Monday quickly spread but cool weather has helped fire crews contain it.

The Marin County Fire Department said Wednesday that the 150-acre blaze at Samuel P. Taylor State Park was 65 percent contained.

The department says many residents are still without power but it was expected to be restored by Wednesday evening.

Sparking power lines are one of the leading causes of California's wildfires.

Fire investigators have blamed PG&E equipment for 12 of last year's wildfires in Northern California's wine country, including two that killed 15 people.

PG&E is facing dozens of lawsuits from insurers that have spent billions settling insurance claims from homeowners.