HAMPDEN – A malfunction in the propane system at a local pottery business on Shaw Hill Road is believed to have caused a small explosion and fire Tuesday evening, according to a fire official.

No one was hurt and the flames were quickly extinguished after firefighters closed the valve from a supply tank and waited for the remaining gas in the line to burn off. The gas is used to fire kilns to make the pottery. No damage to the building was reported.

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are expected to be at the scene today, said Lt. Ray Pipes of the Hampden Fire Department.