Gas tanks, fireworks, ammo explode in Orange County house fire

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gas and propane tanks, fireworks and ammunition exploded early Tuesday in an Orange County fire that destroyed a home.

The large fire was reported at 12:15 a.m. on Oakwood Cove Lane in Orlando.

Two people were inside the home but were not injured, according to Orange County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Billy Richardson. 

"Both the homeowners did escape the house, and we understand there’s one pet we haven’t found yet," he said.

A firefighter suffered a laceration to his hand, Richardson said.

The homeowners said they smelled smoke, went outside and saw flames burning through the roof. Fire officials said the blaze started in the attic and spread rapidly.

"There were several gas tanks in the garage and lawn mowers and that type of equipment and one propane tank," Richardson said. "They had fireworks saved for New Year’s Eve coming up that all went off at one time as well as a couple of weapons in the house and ammunition went off."

Richardson said the house is a total loss.

"They are very upset. They just lost everything they had," he said.

About 50 firefighters were called to the scene.

"Out here there’s no hydrants, so we did have a little bit of a challenge getting water supply," Richardson said. "We did use our water tankers. Each of them carry 3,500 gallons of water."

Neighbors are helping the family.

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