The combination of built in fire sprinklers and a fast response by multiple fire agencies prevented a fast moving fire from spreading inside a large commercial building in El Dorado Hills late Wednesday and likely prevented the structure from becoming engulfed in flames and possibly destroyed.
Just before sundown, several firefighters were still on the scene of the blaze that broke out in the El Dorado Hills Business Park in a large building on the 4600 block of Golden Foothills Parkway. Units had responded to the incident after 911 calls reported an explosion and heavy smoke coming from the building
Units from the El Dorado Hills Fire Department were first on the scene as they rolled up for the initial entry to the building and the fire attack. Upon arrival, the local department requested responded from three additional departments. Folsom Fire Department was among the responding agencies to aid in the firefighting effort. The Amador-El Dorado unit of CAL FIRE also responded to assist as well as multiple units from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.
According to the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, the fire was contained to one occupancy unit of the large structure, thanks to an operational fire sprinkler system that went on when heat was detected in the building.
An early investigation into the fire indicates it ignited when oil soaked rags sitting in a workbench area caused a vapor explosion in the unit. The department said that the damage to the building is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $100,000. While the active fire damage was contained to the one unit in the structure, firefighters said several other units appear to have water and smoke damage.
Officials have not disclosed additional information about the or the specific neighboring businesses that were damaged at this time in addition to the main area of the fire which is a party rental company.
