The Ephraim Volunteer Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire after they battled flames late into the night Wednesday.

The fire broke out at the Layton Auto Body shop in Ephraim near 400 South 100 East.

Neighbors reported hearing an explosion about 10 p.m.

Staff were in the building at the time and were believed to be working on a demolition derby car for the Sanpete County Fair.

According to shop owner Robby Layton, employees were working on a truck when it backfired and caught on fire. As the employee was going to get a fire-extinguisher, he tripped on a gas can and the fire spread.

The Fire Department battled the blaze until 4 a.m Thursday morning.

There were no reported injuries, but the auto body shop is a total loss, according to Layton. There were nine customer cars in the shop at the time.

Two surrounding businesses, Diamond “S” and Ephraim Tire Pros, received some smoke and water damage. Both buildings are located in the south end of the building complex.

Layton says multiple auto body shops have offered help and space in their shops.