Whidbey Island fireworks stash sparks house explosion, injuring three firefighters

Three Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue crews responded to a Smugglers Cove Road home on Whidbey Island when a large cache of fireworks ignited, causing a massive explosion heard for miles. Two deputy chiefs and one firefighter were injured; two firefighters were treated and released, while the third underwent hand surgery and remained hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center. Two homeowners were hospitalized and are expected to recover. Three homes were damaged, with two destroyed. Investigators from Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue and the Island County Sheriff's Office are probing the fireworks quantities and types involved, and fundraising efforts have been launched to aid the injured and affected residents.