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.