Explosion in Orland destroys truck

ORLAND – There were no injuries after a propane tank and an oxygen tank exploded in Orland on Thursday afternoon.

Orland firefighters went to Gray’s Construction off Winkumpaugh Road after receiving a call reporting the explosion.

“The area was fully engulfed by the time we arrived,” said BeLinda Harriman, the Orland firefighter in command at the scene.

Volunteer firefighters from surrounding towns helped in hosing down the blaze.

Employees from Pearson and Son’s Salvage were working on dismantling an excavator at the Gray’s Construction site to use for scrap metal. They left for lunch and came back to find the firefighters dousing the flames of their burning equipment.

“We were just glad no one was hurt,” said Trevor Gray, owner of Gray’s Construction. “If those guys had been around, they probably would have been dead.”

The employees were using the tanks to fuel torches to remove pieces of the excavator.

The truck the tanks were sitting in was demolished by the explosion.

The fire quickly spread to a nearby camper and pressure washer, as well as the excavator the crew was working on.

Firefighters suspected a spark ignited some of the dry grass nearby and led to the fire.

The camper, pressure washer and truck all were destroyed, and there was some damage to the excavator.

The truck was insured, but the total estimated cost of the damage was unavailable.

“We heard what happened and came flying back to see my truck pretty much gone,” said Aaron Moore, 21, of Brewer, who owned the vehicle. “I was mad and upset when I saw it, but had a few laughs, too. I mean what can you do?”