NEW DURHAM – A fire caused a paint can and two big bouncy balls to explode in a room full of common household items at a home near a busy country intersection Saturday morning.

Police, firefighters and emergency personnel responded at 10:37 a.m. after a passer-by, who happened to be a Middleton fire captain, reported the explosion at the rear of a home at 225 Old Bay Road, according to Deputy Fire Chief K.G. Lockwood.

Lockwood said the fire caused a paint can and two big plastic balls, which were wedged between shelves, to explode.

“I’m comfortable saying the explosion was caused by the fire,” Lockwood said, adding firefighters are still in the process of determining what started the fire, which occurred in an addition in the rear of the home.

“It is not suspicious at all,” Lockwood stressed.

Lockwood said the room, which served as a storage area, was filled with lubricants, paint and other “typical household items.” He added the fire and explosion caused extensive damage to the room.

“It blew a pane of glass half-way across the field,” Lockwood said, referring to the large grassy area next to the home.

Lockwood said the fire caused one minor injury as a firefighter suffered heat-related injuries due to the humid conditions and the amount of protective gear. He added the firefighter was treated and released at the scene.

While the building inspector shut down the addition, Lockwood said the remainder of the home remains livable.

Fire Chief Peter Varney credited the quick action of firefighters, who were already at the fire station to issue fire permits. He added it was fortunate they were so close.

Local crews were assisted by firefighters from Farmington, Middleton and Milton.

As the explosion occurred near the intersection of Davis Cross Road, Old Bay Road and Ham Road, police and firefighters had to direct traffic around the fire trucks. Firefighters finished up before noon.