A malfunction in a main transformer sparked a fire outside the ALCOA/Ivex building at 660 Barkeyville Road in Pine Township Tuesday, sending almost 40 employees home from work.

No one was hurt, but company officials said they may keep employees home for a couple of days while repairs are made.

According to operations manager Boyd Selby, a loose connection in the transformer started the fire at about 6:45 a.m.

Selby said the 40 employees in the plant were evacuated.

Pine Township Engine Co. arrived at about 7 a.m., and Fire Chief John Nicklin said the blaze was under control by 7:49 a.m., when Pennsylvania Power Co. crews arrived to shut off electricity.