ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Investigators said the pilot light from a water heater ignited gas leaking from a propane tank and sparked a fire that did at least $4 million in damage to a warehouse complex Friday. They also reported finding ``numerous'' fire code violations.
``The fumes from the tank came in contact with the water heater and there was an explosion that was followed by several others,'' said Pete Piringer, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department.
The raging blaze that followed destroyed at least three businesses, and the roof and a wall collapsed at the building in the North Bethesda Industrial Center, but no one was injured.
``I was on my computer and the ceiling came in on me,'' said Barry Stohlman, who owns a woodworking firm. Despite being hit on the head he was not hurt, and after escaping managed to go back in to help get his staff out.
The fire broke out about 9 a.m., after a worker arriving to start his day noticed the propane leak. The explosion occurred while the worker was getting tools to tighten the valve on the tank.
The fire was under control in about an hour, though it briefly flared up in the afternoon. Authorities said there did not appear to be anything suspicious, but there were other problems.
``Fire inspectors have found numerous fire code violations which contributed to the spread of this fire,'' Piringer said. ``There were things like exits blocked.''
Some of the fire walls had also been cut open, which he said contributed to the spread of the fire. Propane tanks -- including the one that was leaking -- were stored inside and used to power a forklift. A report on the violations is expected to be released sometime next week.
Investigators were also looking into were the multiple uses of the building, ranging from a food warehouse and medical instrument company to a dance studio. No citations had been issued as of Friday night.
``I spent six years building the business and I'm not going anywhere, I'll start again if I have to,'' Stohlman said.
Rockville Volunteer Fire Department
A leaking propane tank and a series of explosions caused a three alarm fire today in Rockville Company 23's area. At 0912 hours units were dispatched to 11710 Parklawn Drive, box area 2302, for the report of the cabinet shop on fire after multiple explosions. Engine 231 arrived on scene and reported heavy fire showing. Due to a number of propane-powered explosions upon arrival of fire and rescue personnel, a defensive operation was immediately established. In total three alarms were called to the warehouse to extinguish the blaze.
No one was hurt in the fire at the North Bethesda Industrial Center; everyone managed to escape on their own. There were no workers at the business where the explosion occurred, and people at adjacent firms were able to safely evacuate. The businesses inside the warehouse included the Asian American Arts Center, STW Millwork and Design, and a furniture store. At this time the blaze is not considered to be suspicious in nature.
