A fire started in an auto repair garage in Antioch Friday evening when sparks from a welding torch hit gasoline on the floor, according to Contra Costa County fire officials.
Two people were working inside the multi-bay commercial repair garage on 10th Street and L Street around 7:45 p.m. when the fire started, according to fire Capt. George Laing.
Laing said the two workers at first stayed inside the building and attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, in an area containing spilled gasoline, propane tanks, welding gases and fueled vehicles.
Both made it out safely, but he warned that civilians should not attempt to fight a fire under such dangerous circumstances.
"We want people to get out if there's an immediate life safety threat," he said.
The fire grew quickly due to the flammable materials on the site causing power lines to come down. The hazardous conditions prompted firefighters to conduct a defensive attack on the fire from outside the building, Laing said.
The fire was brought under control in less than half an hour, but firefighters remain on the scene working to eliminate hot spots and making sure all flammable materials are safe.
Local
No firefighter injuries were reported.
Streets surrounding the area have been closed due to the incident.
