Why Didn't An Elk Grove Administrative Building That Burned Have Sprinklers?
ELK GROVE (CBS13) — A fire ripped through a historic building in Elk Grove with flames so intense, it caused the roof to collapse.
The fire created a challenge for crews because the building doesn't have sprinklers.
The building was home to a school back in the 1920s and was later converted into an administrative offices building for the Cosumnes Service District, which runs the Cosumnes Fire Department, as well as as parks and recreation for the city of Elk Grove.
The building did have a fire alarm which notified crews, but it was too late.
The fire started around midnight, ripping through the 1920s building with flames shooting upwards 50 feet in the air.
"It's very devastating," said general manager Jeff Ramos. "I've been with the district for 20 years and this has been my home for 20 years."
The building, which housed recreation and human resource offices is nearly a total loss.
Fire Marshal George Apple says the building was not required to have sprinklers, and was grandfathered in because of its age. Even though the building changed hands and had some renovations, the building never changes its zoning designation.
"As long as that use stays intact, like this has been a business occupancy for many years, then they have to follow the codes they were built under," he said.
Sprinklers are required in most new buildings across the states, and as of 2011, all new homes.
Without the sprinklers, the district is now left to rebuild. But first, Fire Chief Tracy Hansen says they need to find the cause.
The service district does have insurance and has plans to rebuild. The general manager believes the district will be able to save most of the department's records.