WILLISTON – A garage fire that generated multiple explosions and threatened neighboring homes was brought under control by the Williston Fire Department Thursday.

The Williston department responded to the 5300 block of First Avenue West in Williston at 8:55 p.m. for a report of a fully engulfed garage fire endangering nearby residential structures. The incident required the temporary closure of a portion of 53rd Street West.

There were no known occupants in the structures at the time.

Multiple explosions were believed to have been caused by fuel and gas storage for normal residential shop/garage work. Due to the size of the fire, the location and the hazards, the fire received an upgraded response, and the Williston Rural Fire Department assisted with the use of a water tender truck and the Trenton Fire Department provided standby.

The fire was reported as extinguished at 9:54 p.m. The fire caused the roof of the garage to collapse. Due to the collapse, fire crews remained on the scene throughout the night to ensure the fire did not rekindle.

There was exterior heat damage to two neighboring homes, the department reported.

The department’s Fire Prevention Division is investigating the cause of the fire.