SEATTLE, June 27 (Walla Walla Times) — The Island County Sheriff’s Office said federal investigators are looking into a Whidbey Island fireworks explosion that destroyed two homes, damaged a third and injured five people, including three firefighters.
Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue said the blast happened Wednesday afternoon in the 3600 block of Smugglers Cove Road in the Greenbank area. Fire Chief Jerry Helm said the fire started at a home where hundreds of pounds of fireworks were stored.
Helm said investigators believe someone was smoking near the fireworks when ash or embers fell into the box and set off the explosion. The cause has not been formally determined, and officials have not announced any arrests or charges.
Three firefighters were hurt in the blast. Helm said two were treated and released, while a third remained hospitalized and was expected to have hand surgery.
Two homeowners also went to the hospital on their own and were expected to recover, officials said. Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue said the homeowners were cooperating with investigators.
