Investigators cite electrical panel, gas canisters in Richmond smoke shop fire

An electrical panel failure likely sparked a fire that caused thousands in damages and displaced two residents at a Richmond smoke shop earlier this month, with butane and nitrous oxide canisters potentially contributing to the blaze’s severity, according to an incident report released by the Richmond Fire Department.

The fire broke out at Exotic Clouds smoke shop at 12557 San Pablo Avenue around 3:40 a.m. on May 3, with firefighters responding to reports of explosions and smoke coming from the building’s roof.

Nearby, Engine 66 was among the first responders dispatched to a commercial structure fire, with reports from dispatch indicating that the business “Exotic Clouds” smoke shop was on fire, according to an incident report by Richmond Fire Department Captain Nicholas Bartesch.

“The reporting party stated that they heard an explosion and observed smoke coming from the top of the building,” Bartesch wrote. “While still at the station, Engine 66 personnel heard multiple explosions, which were again heard en route and upon arrival.”

Upon arrival, Engine 66 personnel observed gray smoke coming from the rooftop of the structure and an active fire visible through a window on the right side of the building. A heavy steel-reinforced gate secured the front of the business.

Eighteen firefighters from 12 units responded to the incident, with mutual aid provided by Contra Costa County Fire and El Cerrito Fire departments. The fire was brought under control, with crews remaining on scene until 6:32 a.m.

While the cause of ignition is under investigation, Bartsch said the material contributing most to flame spread was “anesthetic gas.”

“Numerous exploded nitrous oxide canisters were discovered throughout the occupancy,” Bartesch said.

Fire Inspector Carolyn Conry reported the fire occurred on the interior of the structure, with the most significant damage on the right side of the building. When firefighters responded, a window on the right side of the building had been breached, with flames visible upon arrival.

“Immediately adjacent to the breached window on the interior, there was an electrical panel with significant damage and a V-shaped smoke, heat, and damage pattern extending vertically from the meters up the side of the wall,” Conry said. “Due to these factors, the most likely area of origin was in or around the electrical service on the D (right) side of the interior of the building.”

The interior of the structure suffered heavy smoke and fire damage. The fire extended into the roof, causing the structural members to bow and blister.
“Butane and nitrous oxide canisters, sold as products in the occupancy, were found near the area of origin and may have contributed to the severity of the fire damage,” Conry wrote.

“The owner arrived on scene and stated that there were no known issues with the building or the electrical service,” according to the investigation report.

The incident comes months after the business failed its annual fire inspection in November 2024, although it’s unclear whether the failed inspection was related to the fire’s cause.

Pacific Gas & Electric crews disconnected utilities to the building, and the property owner arranged for contractors to board up and clean the damaged structure.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

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