atlas Foundry Fire, Tacoma Washington

Fire at Atlas Foundry Oct 7th, 2007 Tacoma Washington

Click on photos for full size

At around 2:45 p.m. Saturday October 7th a fuel tank farm located at the Atlas Foundry erupted into flames and explosions sending flaming debris in all directions. The incident occurred while filling a propane tank. It is claimed initially that hot-work at the plant ignited the propane resulting in out of control flames and explosion as the propane truck burned. Portions of the truck were thrown through the air landing on highway 16 coming to a rest under an overpass, it continued to burn for several hours. The concussion was felt by Tacoma residents for miles away, many reported the electricity flickering followed by a loud explosion and shaking. These photos were taken moments after the largest explosion. Flames can be seen jetting up in the air from a high pressure source as the propane continued to vent from another tank. This continued to burn for hours into the night. 4 people were sent to the hospital and one has died. It has been determined that a failed hose was the cause of the fire.