Garage Fire Following Reported Explosion in California

Bay District Volunteer Fire Department crews responded Saturday morning after a reported explosion and subsequent fire inside a detached garage in the 45900 block of Patuxent Lane.

Firefighters from Bay District Stations 9 and 3 were alerted at approximately 7:58 a.m. on July 11 for an explosion investigation involving a small non-dwelling structure. Initial information from the 911 caller indicated that something had exploded inside a neighbor’s detached garage, with smoke visible but no fire initially reported. The caller later advised dispatchers that fire was visible inside the garage.

Engine 91 responded with four personnel, led by a sergeant, and the assignment was upgraded while units were en route. Chief 9B (B. Tarleton), Captain 9 (J. Clark), and Engine 31 also responded as part of the incident assignment.

Engine 91 arrived and laid a supply line from the driveway area. Chief 9B arrived to find a one-story, wood-frame detached garage with smoke showing and established command. A 360-degree size-up of the structure found that the garage was built on a slab and that there was active fire inside.

Engine 91 stretched a 250-foot pre-connected attack line to the garage, and Command assigned Captain 9 to lead the attack group. Upon entry, crews found a small fire beginning to grow in the rear portion of the garage. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and then opened up areas of the structure to check for hidden fire extension. No extension was found.

Crews also ventilated the garage to remove smoke trapped in the attic space and secured electrical power to the garage as a safety precaution. The assignment was scaled back within approximately 20 minutes, with Engine 91 remaining on the scene to complete final checks.

No injuries were reported. The homeowner advised crews that the fire may have started from a lithium battery; however, the official cause remains under review.

Bay District Volunteer Fire Department reminds residents to use caution when charging or storing lithium-ion batteries, including those used in tools, motorcycles, scooters, and other equipment. Batteries should be charged on a hard, non-combustible surface, kept away from flammable materials, and disconnected once fully charged. Damaged or overheated batteries should not be used and should be properly disposed of according to local guidelines.

The department appreciates the cooperation of the community and the assistance of responding mutual aid companies during the incident.