The El Cajon courthouse was closed unexpectedly today following an early-morning electrical problem that caused the building to lose power and phone service.
Firefighters entered the jurors' area of the courthouse at 250 E. Main St. about 1:40 a.m. and found smoke coming from an overheated electrical panel, according to El Cajon city spokeswoman Monica Zech.
No actual fire was found, just smoke, she said.
The courthouse was expected to remain closed through at least today while investigators determined what caused the panel to overheat.
Court employees, prospective jurors and others learned of the courthouse closure via a posted sign, flanked by four deputies standing outside the building's entrance, Zech said.
Anyone scheduled to appear today on traffic cases or misdemeanor arraignments should come back to the El Cajon Courthouse with the next seven calendar days to have their case heard, court officials said.
Those scheduled for jury duty in El Cajon today should call the Jury Commissioner's office at (619) 450-5757 for further information.
