An explosion rocked the Big Valley Resort area Wednesday night, Jan. 24 as Townsend firefighters worked to contain a blaze that destroyed a home and damaged two others. Townsend Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Don Stallions said there were no injuries.
Firefighters are unsure what created the blast.
According to Stallions, firefighters received a call at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday about a large camper on fire on Big Valley Boulevard. On arrival, they found a fifth-wheel trailer fully engulfed in the blaze. The fire was also beginning to spread to the two closest units.
Firefighters set up two hoses and were able to begin controlling the blaze when Stallions said a “large explosion” happened in the camper.
“Our guys said it was like somebody punched them in the chest,” he said.
Stallions, who was still on his way to the fire when the blast occurred, said the explosion lit up the surrounding area.
Firefighters found a propane tank in the wreckage of the camper but said it had not ruptured. A second, larger tank behind the camper was also intact.