‘Their heroism prevented an emergency’: 2 employees airlifted after stopping propane fire
Jun 12, 2025, 6:29 AM
Two men are in critical condition after a large fire broke out at a propane facility in the Gig Harbor/Purdy area Wednesday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Two men are in critical condition after a large fire broke out at a propane facility in the Gig Harbor/Purdy area Wednesday afternoon.
An accidental release of liquid propane caused a 120-gallon tank of propane to catch on fire, according to Pierce County Sheriff Deputy Carly Cappetto. A 3,200-gallon propane truck was actively burning as well.
“The two employees suffered significant burns, but were still able to quickly follow procedures and shut off the main gas to other propane sources,” Cappetto told KIRO Newsradio.
The two employees, a 57-year-old and a 66-year-old, were airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.
The cause of the leak is under investigation, but it appears to have been an accident.
“Two employees suffered significant burns but were still able to quickly follow procedures and shut off the main gas to other propane sources,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said. “Their heroism prevented what could have been a much larger-scale emergency.”
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
