Massive Concord House Fire Likely Accidental

CONCORD, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Fire officials have ruled that a home in Concord is a total loss after multiple explosions sparked an intense blaze that ripped through the structure, adding that the fire was likely accidental.

Firefighters were dispatched to the College Road home around 8 p.m. Wednesday after neighbors reported hearing a large explosion in the area.

Fire crews were met by heavy smoke and found the house fully engulfed upon their arrival.

"I heard a huge explosion, I felt it on my driveway. I looked up and I've never seen such a huge thing of fire, bigger than any movie I've ever seen," neighbor Jen McGrath told WBZ-TV.

Investigators would not speculate on the exact cause of the fire, other than saying it was likely an "outside heat source."

Extra tankers were called in to help fight the flames.

The homeowners weren't inside at the time of the blaze and no injuries were reported.

"My husband ran over and half the house was gone within seconds," said McGrath.

Fire officials believe an oil tank found inside the home could be to blame for the first explosion.

The second blast was potentially caused by propane canisters.

Investigators said that the fire caused the pair of explosions, not the other way around.

A water main also broke a short distance away from the home on Thursday morning.

Fire Chief Mark Cotreau said the break was likely due to the amount of water used to knock down the intense flames.

"I think just the sheer volume of water certainly put a strain on the system," Cotreau said.

An investigation into the house fire is ongoing.

"It's unfortunate these people lost their homes, but at least no one was hurt," one neighbor said.

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