Neighbours of 315 Moody Street report hearing a loud explosion and coming out of their homes to see flames licking the clouds over the garage at the back of the house around 6 p.m. Monday evening.
One person said three people had been working on a vehicle in the garage when it exploded.
She said they were lucky to have escaped without injury.
Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services declared the fire officially out shortly after 7 p.m. but only smoke was visible by 6:30 p.m.
The residents of the home went to stay with relatives in the neighbourhood and plan to return in the morning to get a closer look at the damage. As a safety precaution, PUC turned off the power to the home and the remains of the garage at 315 Moody Street.
Moody Street remained blocked between Wallace Terrace and Henrietta Avenue for some time on Monday evening.
There was some damage to the home to the south of the garage and possibly to the back of the house at 315 Moody Street.