Fire causes several explosions in E. Missoula

EAST MISSOULA (AP) — Authorities say a fire in the back of a repair shop in East Missoula caused several small explosions and sent a thick plume of smoke billowing into the air before the flames were doused.

East Missoula Rural Fire Chief Justin Shaffer says the fire was reported at Diesel Power Parts and Machine at about noon Friday, and the cause remains under investigation.

He says the blaze appears to have started in a semi truck parked behind the shop and quickly spread to a nearby truck and the rear of the building, causing an oxygen tank to explode. It was unclear if any other tanks exploded, but nearby residents reported hearing several loud booms.

No one was injured, but two trucks were destroyed. Fire crews contained the blaze by about 12:30 p.m.