An attempt to steal copper cable from an underground vault triggered an electrical surge that knocked down power lines and set a minivan on fire in Saint Paul on Sunday night, the fire department said. No injuries were reported.

The attempted theft happened in the parking lot of the former Sears building on Rice Street off Interstate 94 around 10:30 p.m., according to Saint Paul Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Smith. The surge caused power line failures on Western Avenue on both sides of I-94 at Saint Anthony and Concordia avenues.