Fire At Hydroponics Supply Store Causes $100K In Damages: SRFD

SANTA ROSA, CA — A fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damages Thursday morning to a commercial building but things could have been worse had the structure not been metal, according to the Santa Rosa Fire Department. The fire alarm at 1026 Petaluma Hill Road went off at 8:18 a.m., and firefighters were on scene within 4 minutes, SRFD Battalion Chief Jason Jenkins said.

Flames were showing from the roof and side of Garden Spout Hydroponics Equipment Supply Store when the first engine crew arrived. Additional firefighters and resources were requested as crew members formed their plan of attack and decided they would need to force their way into the warehouse-style business.

"Firefighters had to use metal cutting saws to enter the building by cutting its large roll-up metal doors," Jenkins said. "The building had heavy smoke throughout, with fire extending up the wall and into the roof structure."

Low visibility and thick smoke hampered firefighters' efforts but they continued to make their way through the building, searching for anyone who may be inside, Jenkins said.

The business was not yet open for the day and crew members confirmed no one was inside.

Additional fire personnel climbed a ladder truck and entered through the roof to cut ventilation holes and extinguish flames burning in the building's façade, Jenkins said.

Twenty-four fire personnel with SRFD and Sonoma County Fire District ultimately responded and contained the fire within 30 minutes, with additional time needed to clear smoke from the office and the mezzanine — loft — area.

"The contents of the business sustained heat and heavy smoke damage, however structural damage was limited due to the building being made of metal," Jenkins said.

"The fire is currently under investigation by the Santa Rosa Fire Department," Jenkins said.

Fire investigators remained on scene for several hours Thursday, not only working to pinpoint the cause and origin of the fire but also to ensure the building was secure.

No injuries were reported in the incident that also drew a response from the Santa Rosa Police Department and PG&E.