Elk City, OK – A barn-style mechanic shop on East Seventh Street caught fire Monday night after an explosion, according to Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka.
Fire crews were called to 710 E. Seventh at 8:05 PM for reports of a structure that had exploded and was burning. When firefighters arrived, the single-story shop was fully engulfed. Crews quickly knocked down the flames, but the building was left heavily damaged.
Chervenka said the initial blast forced the building’s overhead doors outward before the fire spread. “It appears that the structure had exploded prior to the fire which forced all the overhead doors and everything out of the building,” he said.
No one was inside or near the shop at the time of the explosion, and no injuries have been reported. Investigators are now working to determine the cause. Chervenka noted that the shop contained multiple fuel and gas cylinders, including propane, argon, oxygen, and acetylene. “We’re trying to chase back what could’ve failed and at what point, and what would cause ignition for that too,” he said.
The fire department worked with the gas company to rule out external utility issues and is reviewing nearby security camera footage. At this point, investigators do not believe the fire was criminal in nature, though nothing has been ruled out.
Fire crews remained on the scene until 11:08 PM. The Canute Fire Department assisted.
