Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
SPANISH FORK — Medical gases fueled an explosion at a dental office Friday, causing an estimated $3 million in damage, according to the fire department.
At about 6:40 a.m., emergency crews were called to "reports of an explosion and active fire" at a dentist's office at 497 N. Main, according to a statement from the Spanish Fork Fire Department.
The first arriving units found "smoke venting from the eaves and flames coming from an exterior medical gas utility closet and the roofline. Fire crews quickly initiated an aggressive interior and exterior attack, successfully contained the fire to the attic space," the department stated.
It took 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. The entire building sustained significant water and smoke damage, according to fire officials. Approximately 30 firefighters responded to the call.
A preliminary investigation determined that "the explosion and resulting fire were caused by a malfunctioning regulator in the medical gas closet. The failure led to an uncontrolled release of medical gases into the attic, creating an oxygen-rich environment that fueled the fire," the department stated.
Those gases included nitrous oxide and medical oxygen. Damage is estimated at $3 million.
"Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, due to the extent of the damage, the dental office is currently uninhabitable," according to the department.
Chief Eddie Hales says about five dental assistants were in the building at the time of the explosion, getting ready to open for the day.
Photos
Show 1 Photo
