Explosion and fire destroy tire shop in central Alberta

Flames and plumes of thick, dark smoke were seen coming from an auto shop in Edson, Alta. on Saturday afternoon.

A massive explosion turned into a fire that destroyed a business near 72 Street and 4 Avenue at around 1 p.m.

The immediate area surrounding Highway 16 west and 63 Street was closed off.

The fire closed a portion of Highway 16 and traffic was re-routed until 3:30 p.m.

One person inside the shop was treated for smoke inhalation, Edson’s director of protective services told Global News.

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Al Schram said it took crews about an hour to get the blaze under control with help from firefighters from nearby Yellowhead County.

“It is believed that the fire was sparked as a result of repairs occurring on a piece of equipment sparking a fuel eruption,” RCMP said in a news release.

Edson is about 200 kilometres west of Edmonton.