A powerful blast involving hundreds of pounds of fireworks shook a Western Washington island community this week, leveling multiple homes and leaving five people hurt, including three firefighters, officials said.
Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue Chief Jerry Helm told FOX 13 the fire was likely sparked by someone smoking too close to fireworks being stored at a home in the Lagoon Point neighborhood.
“They’re kind of like a little ticking time bomb, and you’re not sure when they’re going to go off,” Helm said of fireworks.
The Island County Sheriff’s Office said in a Thursday update that the three firefighters were injured after crews responded Wednesday afternoon to a report of a house fire in the neighborhood.
Authorities said the explosion was likely triggered by smoking near stored fireworks. (FOX 13)
Two of the injured firefighters are recovering at home, while the third is expected to be released from the hospital soon.
Two civilians also went to the hospital on their own before emergency crews were able to assess them, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators will decide once the inquiry is complete whether any criminal charges should be pursued, the sheriff’s office said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also investigating.
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A Whidbey Island home was destroyed by the explosion. (Island County Sheriff’s Office)
The first house was destroyed along with a neighboring one that caught fire, and a third home was damaged in the blast.
Tanya Hernandez-Garzon, one of the neighbors who lost her home, told FOX 13 that the fireworks were “exploding and shooting everywhere.”
“It’s sad to see somebody so immature that they don’t think of other people and to see how much damage is done is really heartbreaking,” she said.
A view of the explosion from a Ring camera. (FOX 13)
Hernandez-Garzon was able to save her five dogs and pet bird.
“Our main concern was to get the dogs out of the house. Everything else is replaceable, but not my animals,” she added.
She said she slept in her truck that night, but isn’t sure where she’s going to go.
