Highways now open after grass fire forces them to closed in Madera County

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Several grass fires were stopping traffic in Madera County Thursday.

Highway 41 was closed from Highway 145 to road 200 due to the flames and smoke-- west of Millerton Lake.

The Madera County Sheriff's Office said the highway has re-opened.

The flames broke out at about 10:30 Thursday morning.

Cal-Fire asked PG&E to de-energize a power line to assist firefighters. More than 300 customers were without power as a result.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause but said the fire may have been sparked by a vehicle dragging a chain.