An explosion occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Lagoon Point neighborhood on Whidbey Island, Washington state, USA, detonating hundreds of kilograms of fireworks stored in a home.
The explosion completely destroyed two homes and damaged a third. Five people were injured, including three firefighters.
Central Whidbey Island Fire Chief Jerry Helm said the explosion was likely caused by smoking near the stored fireworks. Helm compared the fireworks to a "small time bomb."
The Island County Sheriff's Office stated that two of the firefighters who responded to the fire call are receiving treatment at home, while a third is expected to be discharged from the hospital shortly. Two civilians reportedly went to the hospital on their own before emergency crews arrived.
Tanya Hernandez-Garzon, who lost her home in the explosion, described the fireworks as "scattered everywhere and exploding." Hernandez-Garzon said she managed to save her five dogs and her bird, and slept in her truck that night.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has also launched an inquiry. The sheriff's office will decide whether to pursue criminal charges following the investigation.