Gas explosion causes $3 million in damages at Spanish Fork dental office

SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4) — A gas explosion caused an estimated $3 million in damages at a Spanish Fork dental office Friday morning, according to Spanish Fork Fire & EMS.

At around 6:40 a.m. on April 11, Spanish Fork Fire & EMS responded to reports of an explosion and active fire at a dental office located on the 500 block of North Main Street, Spanish Fork.

Upon arrival, first responders found smoke venting from the eaves of the building and flames coming from an exterior medical gas utility closet and the roofline. Crews began attacking the fire, containing it to the attic space of the building.

“While the structural fire was controlled within 45 minutes, the interior of the building sustained significant smoke and water damage,” officials said. “Spanish Fork Fire & EMS was assisted on scene by the Spanish Fork Police Department, Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Central Utah 911, and mutual aid partners from Mapleton, Provo, and Payson Fire & Rescue.”

Around 30 firefighters responded to this incident.

Investigators believe the explosion and resulting fire were caused by a malfunctioning regulator in the medical gas closet. This issue reportedly led to an uncontrolled release of medical gases into the attic, creating an “oxygen-rich environment” that fueled the fire, officials said.

No injuries were reported in this incident. Due to the extent of the damages, the dental office is uninhabitable at this time.

No further information is currently available.