GRAPEVIEW, Wash. — A fire ignited at an auto salvage yard in Grapeview Wednesday, according to Chopper 7 video from the scene.
Live video from the scene showed several piles of tires on fire, with flames extending to the largest building on the property.
According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Katherine Weatherwax, seven 500-gallon drums of oil caught on fire. One person was airlifted to an area hospital for smoke inhalation.
Heavy black smoke was seen rising from both sides of the building and flames were spotted throughout.
“We had to bring in tenders that shuttle water,” said Norma Brock, public information officer for Central Mason Fire & EMS. “So we had to go down the road to wherever they’re getting it — I believe at Spencer Lake — they fill the trucks then they shuttle up and take turns running water into our engines and hoses and ladder truck.”
Just before 5 p.m., firefighters had water on the fire.
“Water was a problem earlier on,” said Brock. “Thankfully we have a lot of partners in the neighborhood that came and supported us with shuttling water from local areas.”
The Washington Department of Ecology also responded to the fire to monitor air conditions.
Grapeview is in Mason County, due west of Tacoma and due north of Olympia.
We are responding to support Mason County Fire. The fuel containers are located at an auto wrecking yard in Grapeview. Ecology staff are headed to the scene with air monitoring equipment.@wastatepatrol @MasonCoSheriff https://t.co/WDV9kbF1ga
— WA Department of Ecology (@EcologyWA) May 4, 2023
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