A malfunctioning natural gas heating system appears to be the cause of a structure fire at Al’s Auto Wash early Monday morning.
Oxford firefighters were dispatched to 643 S. Lapeer Rd. at 12:51 a.m. to battle the blaze, which was confined to the attic and roof on the north side of the building.
According to Fire Chief Jack LeRoy, it appears the blaze was accidental in nature and triggered by a ceiling-mounted natural gas heating unit.
Gas burning outside the unit appears to have been the cause, the chief said.
“There could have been a (gas) leak that was ignited when the (heater’s) blowers kicked on,” he said.
As per standard procedure, the blaze is under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit.
LeRoy said the fire burned a three-foot wide whole in the north side of the roof and damaged a radial area inside the attic of about 10 feet around the heater.
The chief noted the large hole “vented the smoke” and prevented the fire from spreading throughout the attic. “Basically, it let the pressure out,” he said.
He said a number of the structure’s roof trusses were “severely burned” and as a result, the owner, Rochester Hills resident Al Disipio, will probably have to replace about a third of the roof.
The blaze caused an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 in damage to structure and contents, according to LeRoy.
Oxford’s first engine was on the scene at 12:57 a.m. and the fire was officially declared under control at 1:40 a.m.
This fire marked the first time the department has deployed and utilized its 95-foot aerial platform since it’s delivery in 2002.
LeRoy said the aerial platform “served its purpose well” and was a great help given the “steep pitch” of the structure’s roof.
Disipio had nothing but praise for LeRoy and the Oxford Fire Department’s handling of the situation.
“I really want to commend the fire department,” he said. “Everyone did a fine job.”
Disipio also praised the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and Oxford Village Police, who aided with traffic control.
Al’s Auto Wash is currently closed, but Disipio is planning to re-open on or before April 1.