A shed filled with paint and chemicals exploded early Friday morning at an Otay Mesa home, blowing out the residents' and neighbors' windows and displacing a family of four.
The explosion took place at around 6:58 a.m. at 1554 Kenalan Drive. According to OnScene T.V, a fire in the shed caused the explosion, which spread fire to several vehicles, the side yard, and into the house. The explosion also broke the windows of the neighboring home.
San Diego Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Tommy Charpentier told OnScene T.V. that responding San Diego Fire Rescue and Metro Zone partners from Chula Vista found “accumulating materials” in a shed next to the house completely engulfed in flames, which spread to the cars that were on the side of the home and the driveway.
The home that was impacted by the fire and the neighboring home had some damage, according to Charpentier. The flames had caused fire damage to the home closest to the fire source.
The occupants of the home first heard the explosion and that is how they became aware of the fire, according to Charpentier. The occupants of the home were able to evacuate without injuries, but they remain displaced. He said crews also helped remove pets that were inside the house.
Occupants from the neighboring home may continue to reside in their homes.
The overall cost is estimated to be over $100,000.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but Charpentier said “it is clear that the fire began outside".
