Fire damages commercial building

The fire at the Alcan Electrical and Engineering building at 8415 Airport Blvd. was caused by a welder's torch used on a boat inside the structure. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Canfield/KTOO)
The fire at the Alcan Electrical and Engineering building at 8415 Airport Blvd. was caused by a welder’s torch used on a boat inside the structure. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Canfield/KTOO)

Firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire near the airport Tuesday morning.

The incident at the Alcan Electrical and Engineering building at 8415 Airport Blvd. was caused by a welder’s torch used on a boat inside the structure.

Assistant Fire Chief Ed Quinto said hot slag from the torch dropped onto combustible material inside a confined space on the boat’s deck.

Quinto said the fire grew too fast for the welder to put it out himself, but he was able to close a large garage door which prevented the fire from spreading to other nearby structures.

Firefighters arrived to find flames and heavy dark smoke inside the building.

Quinto said losses were estimated at $750,000, but the building was insured. No one was reported injured.

“Capital City Fire/Rescue would like to remind people of the importance of having a fire extinguisher, on how to use it, and make sure it’s in working condition,” Quinto said.

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