Paint Firm Explosion Blows Roof, Starts Fire

An explosion and fire gutted a building housing Schumacher Painting Co., two other businesses and 14 private storage units.

The Friday explosion occurred in a paint-thinner recycling shed, but the cause was not immediately determined. No one was injured.

Owner Jim Schumacher said the loss will exceed $1 million.

“The roof of the shed went 200 feet into the air,” said Clint Boggess, who was working nearby.

Witnesses used a forklift to drag and lift away about 15 vehicles parked near the burning building.