FELTON >> A structure on the famed Bigfoot Discovery Museum complex went up in flames Sunday, but crews managed to pounce on it fast enough to prevent widespread losses.

First responders were dispatched to the museum in Felton around 10:18 p.m. Sunday with units from Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz arriving first at the scene. Crews mounted an aggressive fire attack, according to a social media post from the firefighting agency, which kept the fire to the building of origin — a small cabin behind the museum that had been serving as the residence of its owner, Michael Rugg, Ben Lomond Fire Protection District Assistant Fire Chief Michael Ayers told the Sentinel Monday.

By the time crews had arrived at the blaze, Ayers said Rugg had already self-evacuated and was watching the scene unfold across the street. However, he did suffer a burn to his arm and was eventually whisked away for treatment and access to breathing equipment.

“It (the fire) was knocked down relatively quickly,” said Ayers. “Within an hour the fire was brought under control and we began overhauling the fire at that point.”

The fire produced several loud explosions which, Ayers explained, were oxygen tanks used by Rugg and likely helped fan the flames once the blaze had erupted.

“The specific cause is undetermined at this point,” said Ayers. “It does appear accidental in nature.”

While the structure at the center of the incident experienced major destruction, the museum itself emerged unscathed while other surrounding structures, including a music shop next door, suffered only minor damage.

Other local agencies that assisted in the weekend response include the Felton Fire Protection District, Zayante Fire Protection District, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz unit, American Medical Response and Santa Cruz County.

The Felton fire district is in charge of the incident, while Ben Lomond fire is providing administrative support.

The Bigfoot museum, a popular tourist destination and repository of stories and purported evidence of the fabled hairy beast, closed late last year after 20 years of ownership under Rugg.