Large explosion, fire blows up ammunition, tears through Snohomish home

SNOHOMISH, Wash. — A large explosion heard before a house in Snohomish erupted in flames early Monday was followed by ammunition exploding while firefighters were inside the building.

Firefighters were called to the 11700 block of 92nd Avenue Southeast at about 2:30 a.m. Monday for a report of an explosion heard by neighbors. Crews arrived to find flames coming from the second floor.

Firefighters said it was on that floor that two people were unaccounted for, but eventually, both were later found.

Crews entered the first floor and found no one there. They then went to the second floor to search and try to put out the flames, but since there are no active fire hydrants in the area, they only had a two-inch line. That volume of water wasn’t enough to put out the fire.

Explosion, fire at house in Snohomish A large explosion was followed by a fire and ammunition exploding at a Snohomish home. (KIRO 7 News)

Water had to be trucked in by tenders from Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue as well as from neighboring fire departments.

Meanwhile, crews had to leave the building when they realized ammunition was exploding and it was unsafe to stay inside.

Firefighters then switched to a defensive approach, fighting the flames from the outside. At 6:30 a.m., crews were still at the scene, but the house was destroyed.

Fire officials said 17 fire units responded as well as several police units.

Firefighters said the property where the home is burning is large, with people living on all parts of it.

It is not yet known if anyone was hurt.

The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is under investigation.