Vern Canon, left, and Tim Fike of Consolidated Fire District examine damage at an Alta Sierra fire Tuesday. (Photo by John Hart)

An Alta Sierra condominium fire started by oily rags early Tuesday could have caused more damage if not for the fire alarm, according to the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District.

Fire crews went to the Gold Creek Court Condominium on Gold Creek Court at 2:45 a.m., after the alarm alerted dispatchers, Consolidated Chief Tim Fike said.

Crews limited the flames to the bottom-floor garage of the three-story building and had the flames contained by 2:57 p.m. Damage was estimated at $200.

The condo's four units had to be evacuated and cleared of smoke, and residents were back in their homes by 4 a.m.

The rags had been left on a stack of lumber before they ignited spontaneously, said Fike, who recommended oily rags be stored in metal containers filled with water.

The condominium is valued at $1 million, Fike said, and located off Alta Sierra Drive and Ball Road.

The Grass Valley Fire Department and Higgins Fire Protection District also responded to the fire.

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