BIDDEFORD – An explosion at a trash-to-energy incinerator in Biddeford blew panels off the building and started a fire, according to firefighters.

Officials said the explosion at the Maine Energy Recovery Co. plant Tuesday afternoon likely was caused by a propane tank or some other pressurized object going through a trash shredder.

The blast blew two sets of panels off the building and ignited a small fire that was quickly brought under control. One worker suffered minor injuries.

Explosions occur periodically at the plant when propane tanks are mixed in with other waste.