Investigators reveal source of deadly Oak Harbor explosion

Fire investigators said illegal fireworks are to blame for a deadly explosion in Oak Harbor Tuesday evening.

Crews were called to a house fire on Tuesday evening around 5:45 pm. They found the home completely ablaze, and a couple suffering minor injuries. Their adult son was unaccounted for while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. His body was later found.

Fire Chief Chris Swiger with North Whidbey Island Fire said the son was making illegal fireworks behind the home at the time of the explosion, leading to his death and the destruction of the house.

The chief shared his concerns with both legal and illegal fireworks ahead of next month’s Fourth of July celebrations.

“It’s not a good thing to be playing with fireworks right now. Be cognizant of what you’re doing and let the professionals take care of it,” Swiger said.

Oak Harbor explosion rattles neighborhood

The massive home explosion and fire rattled a neighborhood in Oak Harbor.

The explosion occurred just before 6 p.m. on Strawberry Point Road in an Oak Harbor neighborhood, where neighbors said they heard the blast from blocks away.

“Neighbors reporting a massive explosion and big flames, and that’s exactly what fire crews found when they arrived,” KIRO 7 reporter Brandon Thompson said. “Fire teams have been on scene for hours, monitoring the hot spots and trying to find that person.”

Island County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) released a statement detailing that local fire, emergency medical services, and law enforcement responded to the residence with several reports of a large explosion and fire.

This story was originally published on June 18, 2025, at 8 a.m. It has been updated and republished since then.

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