UPDATE: The Moline Fire Department lifted the evacuation order in the 2500-2700 block of 4th Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Thursday and told residents they could return to their residences

EARLIER UPDATE: At 10 p.m. Thursday, firefighters continued to battle a blaze at a propane business at 2607 4th Ave., Moline.

EARLIER UPDATE: At 9:30 p.m., our Local 4 News crew saw flames coming from the building and smoke spreading throughout the area.

Some people had to evacuate their homes nearby.

Extra firefighters were called in from all over the Quad Cities. Fourth Avenue was shut down for blocks for some time.

The fire started at 8:22 p.m., according to a news release from the Moline Fire Department that says the business is called Sims LP Gas Corp.

The first arriving fire company arrived in two minutes and reported a large, one-story commercial building with smoke coming from all sides of the building. The structure contained LP servicing supplies as well as several filled LP cylinders.

The first arriving fire company entered the building to extinguish the fire. The fire company withdrew from the interior shortly afterward. Fire command on the scene determined the threat
from the LP cylinders was high and a defensive attack was initiated, the release says.

Two elevated ladder towers and ground monitors were used to control and ultimately extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control in about two hours, with fire crews remaining on the scene for four hours to complete overhaul and look for hidden fire.

No injuries were reported from the fire.

Initial Moline Fire response included 17 on-duty personnel occupying four engine companies, a command vehicle and two ambulances. Three off-duty chief officers, fire marshal and training officer responded to assist with the scene and city coverage.

The East Moline Fire Department, Rock Island Fire Department, Arsenal Fire Department, Silvis Fire Department, Coal Valley Fire Department, Bettendorf Fire Department and AMT Ambulance
provided further assistance. Moline Second Alarmers, MidAmerican Energy and Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department also assisted at the scene as well.

Moline Police and the department’s drone provided special assistance at the scene, the release says. With the help of the drone, fire crews were able to locate the seat of the fire, and then were able to direct elevated streams to the area to extinguish it.

The fire remains under investigation by the Moline Fire Department Bureau of Investigations.