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3 firefighters injured after fireworks spark massive house explosion on Whidbey Island
KOMO • • nation
Key Points:
- Three firefighters were injured when a home exploded on Whidbey Island after a large cache of fireworks ignited due to nearby smoking, with two treated and released and one requiring surgery.
- The explosion damaged three homes, destroying two, and was powerful enough to be heard and felt miles away, causing significant property damage to neighboring residences.
- Fire officials reported the fireworks were stored for a private event, and smoking near the fireworks caused the ignition, leading to the blast shortly after firefighters arrived on scene.
- The community has initiated fundraising efforts to support the injured firefighters and affected families, while investigations by fire and sheriff’s officials continue to assess the incident and potential legal consequences.
- Fire Chief Jerry Helm emphasized the narrow timing that prevented more severe injuries and noted that fireworks were still igniting post-explosion, posing further risks to emergency crews.
