A fire caused by a propane leak destroyed a single-family house Wednesday night in Anne Arundel County, causing more than $400,000 in damage, a fire official said.

Anne Arundel County Fire Lt. Roy Phillips said the home owner, identified as Jose Estrada, and his family heard an explosion about 9:45 p.m. and safely escaped.

Phillips said firefighters arrived about 9:53 p.m. and found the house in the 1000 bock of B&L; Club Road about 80 percent engulfed in flames. He said the dwelling, near Pasadena Road and the Magothy River in Pasadena, was a total loss.

More than 40 firefighters fought the blaze, which was put under control at 12:20 this morning. Phillips said investigators have not yet determined what caused the propane leak, and whether it was in a tank inside or outside the house.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.