A powerful boom tore through Oak Park late Wednesday morning, rattling homes and nerves as a single-story house on 37th Street exploded into flames and sent a thick column of black smoke towering over the neighborhood. Sacramento Fire Department crews rushed in and quickly ramped up their response, working to box in the blaze before it could jump to nearby houses. By midday, officials had not confirmed any injuries, and the cause of the blast was still under investigation.
The Sacramento Fire Department said crews were dispatched to a “heavy structure fire” with reports of explosions on the 3200 block of 37th Street at about 11:30 a.m., according to ABC10. Fire officials reported a loud blast that shook nearby homes even before engines arrived, and conditions inside the house were initially too dangerous for an immediate search. City crews locked down the block, set up a perimeter and told residents to steer clear while firefighters and investigators went to work.
What crews found
CBS Sacramento reports that firefighters rolled up to heavy smoke and multiple explosions, a scene intense enough to trigger a two-alarm response. Once the worst of the flames were knocked back and conditions improved, crews made their way inside for a search of the home. Arson investigators were called to the scene as crews concentrated on shielding neighboring houses from heat and flying embers. Video from the area showed a dark smoke column visible for blocks and several engines and trucks parked along the street into the afternoon.
Neighbors recount the blast
Neighbors told reporters they felt the blast hit hard and saw windows blown out at a nearby home, with debris scattered across front yards. The Sacramento Fire Department told ABC10 there were no immediate reports of anyone inside the burning house, though firefighters continued searching once it was safe to enter. Some residents pulled out their phones and recorded the fire, and officials are asking anyone with video or information to share it with investigators.
Investigation and safety
CBS Sacramento reports that arson investigators remained at the property Wednesday afternoon, picking through the charred remains while crews doused lingering hot spots. Authorities said they plan to release more details as soon as the investigation provides clear answers, and urged anyone nearby to follow instructions from emergency personnel on the ground. The Sacramento Fire Department has not yet said what, if anything, might have triggered the explosion…