Exploding propane tanks are believed to have caused a fire by the Patricia Motel Thursday night in east central Edmonton.
Emergency crews were called to 7730 101 Avenue around 11:30 p.m. in the Forest Heights neighbourhood, after reports of two loud explosions.
Two large explosions behind the Patricia Motel just a few minutes ago. Sent debris flying at least a hundred feet into the air. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/yeg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#yeg</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegnews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#yegnews</a> <a href=”https://t.co/t4qLJ4PzRO”>pic.twitter.com/t4qLJ4PzRO</a>
—@BahuWrites
An Edmonton police spokesperson said the propane tanks were in a shed behind the motel.
The shed caught fire, and trees behind the property caught fire but the flames did not reach the motel, police said.
It took fire crews about half an hour to extinguish the fire.
Arson investigators were on scene but as of early Friday morning, had not confirmed the cause of the fire or if it was deliberately set.
No visible damage from 101 Ave at the Patricia Motel, but plenty of smoke and charred trees behind it. Hearing there was an explosion in the back. Building still smouldering in the back. Quick response by Edmonton Fire. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/yeg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#yeg</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegfire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#yegfire</a> <a href=”https://t.co/T9xCZAr3Ix”>pic.twitter.com/T9xCZAr3Ix</a>
—@JoelTeeling
Hearing that the Patricia Motel is enveloped in flames. <br><br>Explains why it looked like the refinery was on fire – it is between us and there.<br><br>Praying no one is hurt <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/YEG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#YEG</a> <a href=”https://t.co/Msqs1O69O5″>pic.twitter.com/Msqs1O69O5</a>
—@YoGoerz