A Winfield Township garage was destroyed in a Sunday afternoon, May 11, fire, but a nearby home endangered by the flames was minimally damaged, according to Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company chief Matt Cypher.

More than half a dozen fire companies responded to the fire, reported at 3:37 p.m., to find the 20-by-30-foot garage engulfed, Cypher said.

Cypher called for a second alarm when he could see heavy smoke in the area about two miles out, according to dispatch. The garage was located about 35 feet away from a residence in the 1000 block of Winfield Road.

The caller had previously alerted dispatch there was a 20 lb. propane tank in the garage, and Cypher said he believes the tank exploded before crews arrived, contributing to the size of the fire.

He said homeowners heard “pops and bangs” in the garage that were likely from the tank.

Cypher said the likely cause of the fire was a lawnmower in the corner where the damage was the worst.

Crews knocked down the fire in about half an hour and were on the scene an additional hour extinguishing hot spots. Cypher said the wind was blowing the fire into the back of the house, which caused damage to the siding and patio. Crews used two hose lines to prevent further damage to the home while attacking the fire.

Responding fire companies also included Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company and EMS, Herman Volunteer Fire Company, East Butler Volunteer Fire Company, and Armstrong County’s South Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, Worthington-West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department and Kittanning Hose, Hook & Ladder Company #6.