The Eau Claire Fire Department responded to an appliance fire and explosion that hurt one person. It happened just before 5 p.m. at the Gyro King in the 300 block of Water Street. Crews say nothing was showing from the structure, but they could smell natural gas. Businesses on both sides were evacuated and Water Street was closed off for about two hours There was no fire and crews turned off the gas and ventilated the building. One employee was hurt and taken to a local hospital. Firefighters say damage to the building was limited to the kitchen appliance and is estimated to be $500. Fire crews were assisted by Xcel Energy and the Eau Claire Police Department. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.