Stinson Beach, CA – An explosion and fire in Stinson Beach Tuesday has been linked to a propane tank used to power gas appliances, fire officials said Wednesday.
The cause is still under investigation, but firefighters have identified a gas-powered stove and are examining a refrigerator to determine whether it was gas-powered or electric, said Jesse Peri, duty officer at the Stinson Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
There is no indication that the appliances were damaged or malfunctioning prior to the explosion, Peri said. There are no natural gas lines in the area, Peri said.
The incident was reported at 8:42 a.m. in an apartment above the Oceanic Realty office at 3470 Shoreline Highway, authorities said.
The apartment is a second home for a resident, Peri said. It was unoccupied at the time of the explosion.
The roof of the building was blown off onto Shoreline Highway, which was littered with debris.
The real estate office and the building next door at 3468 Shoreline Highway, which houses a law office, were destroyed. Meristem Flowers at 3472 Shoreline Highway, the Sand Dollar restaurant at 3458 Shoreline Highway and a fifth building were damaged.