On June 11th at 2pm, 911 calls came in regarding a large fire that occurred at a propane facility at the 15800 block of 66th Ave. NW in the Gig Harbor/Purdy area near the Pierce County and Kitsap border.
Deputies and the Gig Harbor Fire Department learned there was an accidental release of liquid propane that was subsequently ignited by an unknown ignition source. This caused a 120-gallon tank of propane to catch fire. Two employees suffered significant burns but were still able to quickly follow procedures and shut off the main gas to other propane sources. Their heroism prevented what could have been a much larger-scale emergency.
Both the 57- and 66-year-old males were airlifted to a local hospital and are currently in critical condition. The preliminary investigation from the Pierce County Fire Marshal indicates this was an accident, but the investigation is ongoing.