Several teams of investigators were on the scene of a construction site fire and propane tank explosion in Westlake's Crocker Park that happened late Thursday morning.
A structural engineer, BCI investigators, State Fire Marshal and OSHA investigators were on the site Friday.
Fire officials have not said what sparked the initial fire that caused one of two propane tanks to explode, damaging three floors of the American Greetings building that is under construction.
A State Fire Marshal declined to comment on his initial findings Friday.
A spokesperson for AmeriGas confirmed that the company had two 1,000 gallon propane tanks on the premises for temporary fuel during construction. The tanks were then leased by Walsh construction company.
Westlake Building Commissioner Don Grayem told newsnet5.com that the tanks were no longer being used and were scheduled to be removed from the site on Friday or Monday.
newsnet5.com requested information regarding maintenance for the tanks from AmeriGas.
A spokesperson provided the following statement:
“AmeriGas maintains its tanks in accordance with all federal, state, local and industry standards, including applicable building codes and National Fire Protection Association standards. We are cooperating with the State Fire Marshal, who is leading the investigation.”
Grayem requested an inspection from a structural engineer before workers are allowed to return to the site.
Construction workers were allowed to enter the building on Friday in small groups to recover personal belongings left behind during the emergency evacuation.
Construction on the building was slated to wrap up in June before Thursday’s fire.
