Fire rips through East Lyme home

East Lyme, Conn. (WTNH) - Smoke detectors may have saved family members from their burning home in East Lyme Monday.

The fire started in the garage and spread to the rest of the house on Morris Lane.

While the fire marshal says the oxygen tanks and a propane tank in the home didn't cause the initial fire, they did cause explosions and damage to the house.

Neighbors told News 8 they heard, what they now know were the oxygen tanks and a propane tank exploding at 3 in the morning.

"The house kind of shook on the right side," said Maggie Swenson, "and it was one explosion and we were kind of confused."

Other explosions followed, and were heard up to seven miles away.

"Actually sounded like someone had driven into the side of the house with a car," said Andrew Leightner.

The fire marshal says the tanks fueled the fire, which started where they were stored in the garage at the front of the house.

"This contributed to the fire," said Fire Marshal Dick Morris, "moving very rapidly it extended up and throughout the house and very quickly went to the roof of this house."

One firefighter was injured when he fell through the floor of the second level. Fortunately everyone in the house made it out safely. The owner said he is thankful for that.

"We all safe," said Bharat Shah. "We all got out on time."

Investigators say ashes from a fire place were kept in the garage. They are also talking with a family member who had been smoking a cigarette there.

"It's really sad and just really want to..," said Leightner, "thinking what can I do to help these people."

Fire Marshal Morris wants everyone to remember if you have a propane tank store it outside the home, possibly in a shed out back, and not inside the house or even in the garage.