Trailer carrying propane explodes: New Berlin police

NEW BERLIN, Wis. - Residents of New Berlin woke up to the sounds of explosions early Sunday morning, July 3. 

According to New Berlin police, crews were called to a vehicle fire on Moorland Road between Coffee and Ryerson Roads around 6:30 a.m. Updated information showed it was a trailer fire with propane on board. 

Fire crews could see propane tanks venting right before at least five explosions. One piece of debris launched roughly 200 feet in the air, according to police. 

The trailer contents were used for specialized concrete work and the company is located in the City of New Berlin. The equipment used propane as a fuel source and there were ten-20 pound propane cylinders on board that vented and exploded during the fire. 

Due to road construction, a water supply issue caused a delay in extinguishing the flames. A second arriving unit was able to bring the explosion under control with another water source. The fire was out after 20 minutes..

Police initiated the evacuation of two houses nearby as a precaution. 

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

No injuries were reported.