Friday, January 30, 2015

EXPLOSION AND FIRE AT THE PICK N PULL RECYCLED AUTO PARTS STORE AND YARD IN LAKEWOOD, WASHINGTON



EXPLOSION AND FIRE AT THE PICK N PULL RECYCLED AUTO PARTS STORE AND YARD IN LAKEWOOD, WASHINGTON






January 29, 2015
 
LAKEWOOD, Wash. - Pierce County firefighters are responding to an explosion and fire in Lakewood.

West Pierce Fire and Rescue says the explosion happened at the Pick N Pull recycled auto parts store and yard on 112th and Steele Street. Neighboring businesses have been evacuated while firefighters put out the fire.

There are no reports of injuries.

Fire Chief Mitch Sagers said the explosion occurred after a gasoline vendor had just loaded 800 gallons of gasoline that had been salvaged and stored on-site.  Sagers said the vendor reported the explosion came from behind a tank, and caused him to get knocked 60 feet away.  However, he reportedly still managed to get in his truck, which was loaded up with 2,900 gallons of gas, and move it away from the fire.

A large plume of smoke from the fire was affecting traffic. South 112th between Steele and South Tacoma Way remain closed; drivers are advised to avoid the area.