Explosion blows off roof, starts fire at Westminster auto shop

An explosion blew the roof off of an auto body shop in Westminster, causing a two-alarm fire on Thursday, Oct.11

Two fire engines were dispatched to combat a blaze at Anthony Auto Body and Repair at 15156 Weststate St. at 3:34 p.m., said Westminster Police Sgt. Eddie Esqueda. Once there, crews saw heavy smoke and flames pouring from the building, according to Orange County Fire Authority Captain Tony Bommarito.

He said about 60 firefighters worked to get flames under control by about 4:09 p.m. None of them were hurt, and first-responders did not immediately locate any injured bystanders. However, Bommarito said it was unclear if anyone who was inside the building at the time of the explosion had left the area to seek medical attention.

By 5 p.m., firefighters and police were still investigating at the scene of the conflagration, according to Tuan Chhum, 45, who owns an auto repair shop across the street.

“The walls were burned black inside,” he said. “The building was completely destroyed.”

Bommarito said it was not clear what had caused the explosion, but authorities did not immediately suspect criminal activity. Investigators from the Orange County Fire Authority are looking into the matter.