Spokane: Fire at WSDOT Camp
Washingtoner/10211950

~ Early this morning, at approximately 12am, Spokane Police Department officers responded to a major explosion and fire at the WSDOT Camp located at the corner of East 2nd Avenue and South Ralph Street. Upon arriving on scene, officers observed a tent fully engulfed in flames and propane tanks shooting up into the sky. Flames and smoke could be seen from miles away and the explosion could be heard throughout the city.

Two people were in the tent at the time of the explosion, a female who suffered significant burns and a male who also suffered numerous burns. Both were transported to an area hospital for treatment. The Spokane Fire Department arrived shortly after and quickly extinguished the fire.

More on Washingtoner

• Permian Museum announces the addition of an Ancient Alien Artifacts photo gallery
• VISION 2050 Award for Historic Tideflats Subarea Plan Presented by Puget Sound Regional Council at Tacoma City Council Meeting
• The Golden Jazz Fest Shuttle Returns for 2026
• City of Tacoma to Activate New Automated Enforcement Cameras Beginning September 14
• KeysCaribbean Resorts Offer Savings On Vacations Through Aug. 31, Preview Exceptional Select Fall Rates of Less Than $200/Night

According to Fire Investigators, the cause of the fire was human caused, accidental. It is believed that leaking propane from transfilling propane tanks in the tent filled it with gas which caused an explosion and subsequent fire. Firefighters remained on scene after extinguishing the fire to deal with multiple propane tanks that were still releasing propane.

Police and Fire personnel noted that this incident could have been far worse as all residents of the camp were placed in danger due to multiple propane tanks on site. Julie Humphreys, Communications Manager for SPD stated "This was an extremely dangerous situation".

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation