Gig Harbor, Washington – Garage Fire Turned Explosive Due to Live Ammunition

Gig Harbor, Washington (June 5, 2019) – A garage fire at the 12000 block of 123rd Avenue Northwest was turned into a two-alarm incident after the flames had turned extensive and live ammunition were found exploding in the heat. Fortunately, the residents were able to safely exit, and no firefighters were injured in the incident.

The fire broke out in the garage around 12:30 a.m. on early Wednesday morning. When firefighters arrived the fire had become extensive, and the crews worked to extinguish the fire from the outside. The flames were eventually extinguished and the fire was successfully contained with no damage to neighboring houses. The garage was completely destroyed in the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

About Fire

The US Fire Administration has recorded 15 home fire fatalities this year within Washington.  Statistics from the NFPA have recorded that cooking equipment were the leading cause of home structure fires, home fire injuries, as well as being the second leading case of home fire deaths. Additionally, smoking materials are the leading case of home fire deaths, though it isn’t always the case every year. Always handle fire with wariness and see to it that fires are always extinguished after use. Remember also to assess the area where fire is going to be used and see to it that complete fire safety is practiced at all times.

Aside from cooking equipment and smoking materials, electrical causes remain to be one of the top causes for home fires according to the NFPA. Their Electrical Fire Reports to the U.S Fire Department since 2000 estimates around 45,000 to 55,000 cases of home fires being caused by electrical malfunction every year. Annual losses due to electrical fire result in 455 civilian deaths, 1, 500 civilian injuries and 1.5 billion of dollars in direct property damage. From these statistics, the risk from electrical fire is very real and should not be underestimated. As for the accidents themselves, the NFPA lists 63 percent involved wiring and related equipment, 74 percent cited some sort of electrical failure or malfunction, and wire or cable insulation was the first item ignited in 32 percent of electrical distribution or lighting equipment home structure fires.

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