UNION COUNTY, N.C. -- Deputies in Union County said a man died after an oxygen tank explosion in his home.

Firefighters were called to the home on Long Hope Road in the Mineral Springs area southwest of Monroe at about 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Neighbors told Eyewitness News reporter Dave Faherty they heard what they thought were explosions or gunfire right before the home caught fire. They said they could see an orange glow from the flames.

One neighbor said there was very little the firefighters could have done.

“When I got out here, like I said, it was just blazing big time,” said Darrell Hobbs. “There was nothing nobody could have done then. I mean, it was just a bad situation.”

There is is not much left of the home now.

Officials said Micky Helms, 67, died in the fire.

Firefighters said the cause of the fire is listed as undetermined.