An investigation is underway after fire officials said it appears someone attempted to blow up an Orlando-area nightclub early Thursday morning.

  • Firefighters noticed a small fire and burning materials leading to the entrance way
  • Fire fighters shut off a 20-pound propane tank to prevent an explosion

Orlando Fire Department officials said firefighters prevented an explosion at GILT Nightclub, located at 740 Bennett Road, after crews shut off a propane tank that was leaking gas vapors discovered when they responded to an automatic fire alarm.

The Orlando Fire Department Arson/Bomb Squad is investigating the incident as a "malicious fire" after firefighters discovered a small fire near the entrance when they responded to the business around 2:17 a.m.

When crews arrived at the scene, they found the parking lot empty and a small fire halfway up the sidewalk to the front entry doors to the club.

Outside of the entrance to the club were two plastic tubs stacked inside one another. Both were tipped over, and a small amount of a burning material on the ground was extinguished.

Firefighters noticed the right side entry door was smoked out and the left door looked different than the right. Firefighters also noticed the security roll-down metal door was halfway open. Once the metal door was opened all the way, the sprinkler system came up and the fire alarm began to ring.

Once in the entryway, fire crews reported smelling gasoline, fire officials said. But that wasn't the only discovery firefighters made upon entering the building.

About 6 to 8 feet inside the building, a 20-pound propane tank was on its side, and gas vapor could be seen discharging from the hose, fire officials said. Firefighters shut off the tank and removed it from the elements inside to prevent an explosion.

No one was in the building and no one was hurt, the fire department said.

Frank Bond, the club's owner, said vandals broke through the glass at the front door and poured gasoline inside and then lit a match. Bond said the sprinkler system was quickly activated.

Kerry Thelwell, a business owner across the street from GILT, said her security cameras didn't capture the incident. Thelwell also said this isn't the first time she has seen crime at the club.

"I don't think it's the club itself," Thelwell said. "I think it's the people or something. ... (It's) not a good crowd sometimes."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or the Orlando Fire Department at 407-246-FIRE.