Wild video shows massive fireworks explosion that destroyed homes
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A massive explosion of hundreds of pounds of fireworks shook an island community in Western Washington this week, destroying several homes and injuring five people, including three firefighters, according to authorities.
Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue Chief Jerry Helm told FOX 13 that the fire likely started from someone smoking at a home in the Lagoon Point neighborhood too close to where the fireworks were stored.
“They’re kind of like a ticking time bomb and you’re not sure when they’re going to go off,” Helm said of fireworks.
Three firefighters were injured in an explosion Wednesday afternoon after responding to a call of a house fire in the neighborhood, the Island County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
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Authorities said the explosion was likely caused by someone smoking near stored fireworks. (FOX 13)
Two of the firefighters are currently at home and the third is expected to leave the hospital soon.
The statement said two civilians took themselves to the hospital before first responders could evaluate them.
The sheriff’s office said it will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted after the investigation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also continuing the investigation.
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A house on Whidbey Island was destroyed in the explosion. (Island County Sheriff’s Office)
While the first house caught fire along with the neighboring house in the explosion, the third house was also damaged.
Tanya Hernandez-Garzon, a neighbor who lost her home, told FOX 13 that fireworks were “going off and shooting everywhere.”
“It’s sad to see someone so immature that they don’t think about other people, and it’s truly heartbreaking to see how much damage has been done,” she said.
View of the explosion from the Ring camera. (FOX 13)
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Hernandez-Garzon was able to save her five dogs and pet bird.
“Our main concern was getting the dogs out of the house. Everything else can be replaced, but not my animals,” she added.
He said he slept in his truck that night but wasn’t sure where to go.
