Kamloops Fire Rescue personnel put their lives on the line Sunday as they scrambled to douse flames at Kemp Concrete before propane tanks and oxyacetylene equipment exploded.

The sky around Paul Lake Road and the Yellowhead Highway was blanketed with thick, dark smoke at around 8 p.m. as a 12-metre by 30-metre metal warehouse on the industrial site went up in flames.

Rescue personnel discussed possible evacuation of the area as sounds of hissing emanated from within the building.

But that was deemed unnecessary.

"It's a pretty industrial area with not a whole pile of businesses or building around there, especially at 8 p.m. on a Sunday night," said Kamloops Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Rob Chalmers.

Firefighters beat back the flames relatively quickly, said Chalmers, and spent three hours dousing the fire, checking for hotspots and mopping up - and nothing blew.

No injuries were reported but the building suffered extensive damage. Fire investigators are now digging through charred debris at Kemp Concrete today to try to find what caused the warehouse fire.

The fire's source is suspected to be from within the building and preliminary findings don't suggest foul play, said police.

"At this point, the site will be secured and our guys will be in there (today) starting to sift through," said Chalmers on Monday.