HERMON, Maine — Crews were called to the scene of a fire in Hermon Tuesday night, and the flames caused a propane tank to explode, officials say.
An official with the Hermon Fire Department told NEWS CENTER Maine people are lucky to be alive after the incident.
The fire took place on Blackstream Road shortly after 6 p.m., according to fire officials.
The propane tank was exposed to fire, ruptured, and exploded, shooting several hundred feet away from its original location, according to the Hermon Fire Department. Fortunately, no one was home at the time.
Hermon Fire Chief Frank Roma said this incident should serve as an important reminder during the winter months.
"If you use oil heat, make sure your heater's been serviced. If you use wood heat, make sure that your chimneys are clean, your flues are clean, that you don't store combustible materials near your wood stoves. Because unfortunately, my guess is we'll see a repetition of this between now, and when we get through the winter. Often times there are some very common themes ... so now is a great time to try to reduce those risks," Roma said.
Fire crews from several different towns helped with the blaze, but the home was completely destroyed, officials said.
The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident.