Exploding Ammunition Hampers Firefighters

The San Bernardino County Fire Department was recently dispatched to a local structure fire at a commercial location. The responding units reported that smoke was visible several miles away and that there was a working fire. Upon arrival the first fire company reported that a building could be seen on fire behind a front house. During the firefighting operations, ammunition that was stored in the structure began to explode but did not cause any injuries. Propane tanks in the building were also a threat but did not explode. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes and fire spread was confined to the original building. Eighteen firefighters fought the fire including assistance from the Rialto Fire Department. The owner of the business stated that no one was in the building and had not been all day. He was out working and returned after seeing the smoke. Investigators were still looking for as cause to the fire as of press time. Dollar loss is estimated to be approximately $25,000. The San Bernardino County Fire Department would like to remind everyone to store oily rags in covered metal containers.