APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – An explosion, followed by a fire, caused Appleton crews to swing into action Monday.
The Appleton Fire Department was dispatched around 12:05 p.m. to the intersection of E. Glenhurst Lane and E. Milestone Drive. On the way to the scene, crews were told that the intersection was on fire.
Firefighters first saw a wood framed building under construction with heavy smoke and flames. The fire quickly spread and consumed the structure.
Several nearby vehicles were also destroyed by the fire. No one was hurt.
According to an on-site construction manager, the smell of propane was present before the blast. He contacted the propane supplier, who then sent out a technician. A leak had been found in one of the several propane tanks.
As the technician worked to stop the leak, authorities say a “bung” on the bottom of one of the tanks fell off and propane free-flowed from the tank. The technician then yelled for all workers to evacuate and within a few seconds, the propane ignited.
Authorities are still trying to determine the ignition source.
Fire officials say the structure is a total loss. All adjacent buildings were not damaged.
Glenhurst Lane and other roads in the area were blocked off to traffic while crews put the fire out.
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