MOUNT VERNON, Wash. -- Raging flames ripped through a local auto repair shop on Thursday night, causing a series of explosions and leaving just the skeleton of the building that used to be.

Fire spokesperson Erica Work said the owner of Sam's Auto Repair, who lives next door to his shop, had just locked up and gone home when a neighbor knocked on his door around 7:30 p.m. and said his shop had caught fire.

The owner rushed over and saw that his shop was already engulfed in flames, emitting big plumes of smoke that was seen from miles away. The propane tanks inside the shop also caused several explosions as they caught fire.

Hoping to get inside and doused the flames the owner broke a window, Work said, but the flames had already taken over the building.

The 8,400-square foot, metal-frame building is a total loss, as are several vehicles and tools that were at the shop.

"We're fortunate that there were no houses close by because of the explosions," said Work.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

"As far as he (the owner) knows, everything was off when he left. So we'll be investigating," Work said.

The owner was taken to the hospital with minor injuries to his arm.

Five agencies, including the Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Burling Fire Department, responded to the blaze.