Explosion but no injuries at Palatine office

Firefighters on Saturday continued to investigate the origin of an explosion that caused about $20,000 in damage to a Palatine office building but left no one injured.

Crews responded at 3:28 p.m. Friday to BM Craft on the 500 block of West Colfax Street after a witness reported that the building shook and was emitting smoke, according to a news release.

Palatine firefighters forced their way into the locked, unoccupied building and used thermal-imaging cameras to find the fire amid heavy smoke. Authorities said the blaze was brought under control in nine minutes.

Officials estimated damage at $20,000, while the cause of the explosion remained under investigation Saturday, a fire official said.

According to the Palatine Fire Department, 24 local firefighters and firefighters from Rolling Meadows responded to the scene.

“The Palatine Fire Department would like to remind residents that they should always stay aware of the location of emergency exits wherever they are,” said a news release from Batallion Chief Fred Johnson. “There is no way to predict when one will be needed.”