Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department's Districts 6 and 8 and Engines 1 and 4 responded to a hangar fire at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (1930 Memorial Boulevard) around 9:00 Friday morning.

When crews arrived on scene they discovered smoke and flames coming from the northwest side of the hangar. When the first crews entered the structure, they located a propane tank approximately three feet inside the structure. Initially there were reports that the propane tank exploded. However, the propane tank actually self vented through a relief valve and added to the intensity of the fire.

Crews quickly extinguished the fire and checked for extensions. Damage was contained to the front northwest corner and exterior of the building. A Cessna 150 or 152 plane was inside the structure, as well as a boat, trailer, lawnmower, and other motorized vehicles. The Cessna will most likely be a total loss due to heat exposure.

The actual cause of the fire is unknown. The MFRD Fire Marshal's Office is conducting a routine investigation. According to Assistant Fire Marshal Carl Peas, it appears to be accidental.

Fortunately there were no injuries. "This could have been much worse," said Peas. "With all the combustible materials such as oil, fuel, and propane, there could have been an explosion."