Officials say common household product caused house explosion in Maine neighborhood

SINCLAIR, Maine (WAGM/Gray News) – Officials said a product used by many people was the cause of an explosion that occurred in Maine on Saturday.

According to the Maine State Fire Marshal, the explosion in Sinclair was caused by propane gas. The gas ignited and caused massive destruction in a residential area.

Barabra Deschaine said she was at home when her neighbor’s house exploded.

“I heard a bang and felt like the basement floor was collapsing and the ceiling was falling on me,” she said. “I looked out the window and saw debris flying everywhere.”

According to the fire marshal, the propane explosion sent debris flying across the street, into nearby lakes and onto the roofs of neighboring buildings.

Deschaine’s house was damaged when debris from the explosion blew through the garage walls.

Windows were broken in other neighboring buildings. Another residential building caught fire before it was destroyed.

“We are glad that so many fire departments came to help because it could have been much worse,” Deschaine said.

Propane is a gas that is commonly used and present in people’s homes.

Although it is used daily, it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Propane leaks can occur for many reasons, including leaving valves open, using old tanks, or pressure changes.

If a leak occurs, the gas can give off a distinct odor. But despite the distinct smell, the gas can go unnoticed, said North Lakes Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Ouellette.

“Propane is heavier in the air and therefore tends to accumulate at low altitudes. That’s why it’s sometimes difficult to detect,” he said.

According to Ouellette, there are other ways to look for a propane leak if there is no noticeable smell.

“If your consumption has increased but you have not consumed more than usual, that is a clear sign,” he said.

He recommends that people who use propane also use propane detectors as a precaution.

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