Official: Explosion may have started home fire in Independence County

— Authorities say it appears some sort of explosion may have started a fire that quickly consumed a home south of Batesville in Independence County on Wednesday morning.

Independence County Emergency Manager Glen Willis said the home owner was coming back a little before 8 a.m. when he noticed smoke coming from the eaves. A neighbor reported hearing what sounded like an explosion and the flames quickly spread throughout the structure, Willis said.

The home was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived.

"We have no idea what may have may have exploded," Willis said by phone from the scene, where he said fire crews were still working to knock out the remnants of the fire at 8:20 a.m.

No injuries were reported, which Willis said was "very fortunate" given the size of the subsequent blaze.

The home appears to be all electric, Willis said.

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