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 the chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company.

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

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

The caller had previously alerted dispatch there was a 20-pound 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 lawn mower in the corner where the damage was the worst.

Crews put out the fire in about a half hour and were on the scene an additional hour extinguishing hot spots. Cypher said 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 dealing with the fire.

Responding fire companies also included Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company and EMS, Herman Volunteer Fire Company, East Butler Volunteer Fire Company, Armstrong County’s South Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, Worthington-West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department and Kittanning Hose, Hook & Ladder Company No. 6.