Natural gas not cause of explosion at Paradise Valley home

PHOENIX (AP) — Authorities still are trying to determine the origin and cause of a weekend explosion that destroyed a luxury home in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley. A spokesman for the Phoenix Fire Department says structural engineers were on the scene Monday to verify that all structures affected by the explosion were still safe for conducting the investigation. An accelerant detection dog also was on the scene to assist in the investigation. Southwest Gas crews who surveyed the area for leaks didn’t find any signs of natural gas and the home was not serviced with natural gas. Phoenix Fire crews responded to the scene shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday. They said the home was totally decimated and several other homes were damaged due to the “significant explosion” and ensuing fire.