Fire leveled a home automotive workshop Thursday morning in eastern Forsyth County.

The blaze occurred about 10:45 a.m. behind a home on Samples Road, near Buford Dam Road and not far from Lake Lanier.

The incident triggered several 911 calls, with reports of explosions and a large column of black smoke, said Division Chief Jason Shivers of the Forsyth County Fire Department.

“The home itself received only minor heat-exposure damage, but the workshop is likely going to be a total loss,” he said.

The two-story shop contained cars and equipment, which, as well as the explosions, contributed to the difficulty of fighting the flames, Shivers said.

No one was in the shop at the time, and it’s not known what caused the fire, which remains under investigation, he said.

Samples Road was closed in both directions for several hours to allow for access to the water supply.

No one was injured in the blaze.