Rush hour is snarled in Maple Ridge tonight. A power pole burst into flames just before 5 p.m. Friday in front of Quality Inn on Lougheed Highway just east of 216th St.

Firefighters on scene are unsure of the cause. BC Hydro has been called and power to parts of downtown Maple Ridge have been cut.

It doesn't appear anyone has been injured but police and firefighters have the highway blocked between 216th and 222nd/ Haney Bypass.

Fire fighters have cordoned off the area fearful the burning pole will deteriorate and snap causing the potentially live wires to fall the ground.

Traffic is being diverted to River Road and Dewdney Trunk Roads.

* Stay tuned to www.mrtimes.com and print edition for more information.