A fire broke out around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at Vashon Energy, 20317 Vashon Hwy SW, approximately a third of a mile from the school.
The billowing black smoke rising above the trees was seen by students and teachers at the school just as lunch was ending, alarming administrators. Students and teachers worried that the propane tanks located on Vashon Energy’s property would explode.
According to the Beachcomber, three people were sent to the hospital due to fire and smoke-related injuries.
According to the Beachcomber, King County investigators eventually ruled that the fire was caused by an “accidental propane vapor explosion.”
The fire took place during lunch at Vashon High School and was immediately reported by King 5 News, which posted helicopter photos and a video news story on their website.
Responding cautiously to the danger when they spotted black smoke rising above the trees, administrators sent students indoors in case there was a further explosion from the building.
Students followed the progress of the fire on smartphones and computers.
“I was asked to assist with the rehab station for the firefighters,” said Senior Calla Wescott, an explorer with Vashon Island Fire and Rescue. “My first thought was for safety. I wanted to know if anyone was hurt.
“I also wanted to know if the fire department was on scene when it happened and whether or not all the firefighters were safe,” said Wescott. “I was also concerned about the high school and how close it was to the incident. Overall, I just wanted to get there and see if I could do anything to help.”
Vashon Island Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene of the fire, only to find the building swallowed in flames and all the windows blown out. Local firefighters were also assisted by off-island crews.
Firefighters from Kent, Tukwila, and SeaTac assisted for several hours as well as filled positions at the main VIFR building. Some civilians also went ahead to assist employees out of the building when the fire first started.
Two employees, Nancy Weed and Jody Paulson, were taken to Tacoma General Hospital in an ambulance. At first, it was believed Weed had suffered a broken arm, but it was later discovered that her arm was only badly bruised.
Owen Dailey, a substitute driver for Vashon Island Fire and Rescue was affected by acute third-degree burns and was flown to Harborview Medical Center, where he is now recovering. Paulson suffered no injuries.