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Storage tank explosion causes large fire in Lakewood

A storage tank explosion at the Pick N Pull vehicle salvage yard on 112th Street created a large fire in Lakewood on Thursday, resulting in backed up traffic around Joint Base Lewis McChord.

According to reports from fire officials, a gasoline vendor was there to pull gas out of the storage tank, which is routine.

Click here for photos from Chopper 7.

West Pierce Fire & Rescue officials say the vendor was blown 60 feet from the tank and was not hurt.

The thick smoke was visible from I-5 and SR 512.

Chopper 7 images showed firefighters working to put out the large blaze. Shortly before 5 p.m., the building was still smoldering.

Some evacuations are in place for neighboring businesses but not for any homes in the area.

112th Street is shut down from South Tacoma Way to Steele Street in order to keep drivers a safe distance away and give firefighters room to work.  The Department of Ecology is en route to assist with any spilled materials during the explosion.  

Stay with kirotv.com for updates.

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