A fire broke out on the grounds of the largest Sikh temple in California’s capital on Monday, causing multiple propane tanks to explode and setting a suburban building where religious classes were held in flames, authorities said.
Metro Fire Battalion Chief Parker Wilborn said emergency services were called to the Gurudwara Sacramento Sikh Institute, a temple southeast of downtown Sacramento, around 3:30 p.m. Worshipers were evacuated from the grounds by sheriff’s deputies and no one was injured, he said.
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The fire engulfed the building’s attic, leaving a boned skeleton and causing part of the roof to collapse, The Sacramento Bee reported. At least two vehicles were charred.
Smoke is seen rising from a fire at Gurdwara Sacrament Sikh Institute on January 29, 2024. (Tony Trinh)
The fire ignited at least six large propane tanks, causing explosions that sent metal flying at least 50 feet and a huge plume of smoke that could be seen for miles, Wilborn said.
The cause was under investigation.
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“At this point, we have not concluded that anything is suspicious,” Wilborn said.
The fire was contained to the building where it started and did not spread to the temple.
“It’s alarming,” said Bobby Singh Allen, mayor of nearby Elk Grove and a member of the gurdwara, which draws about 2,000 people a week. “We are upset, but fortunately there was no loss of life.”
