The EPA responded to support the Maple Valley Fire Department and Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) at the scene of a three-alarm fire at an auto wrecking yard in Maple Valley, Washington. Reportedly, the fire started when an acetylene torch ignited gasoline in a auto disassembly area. Reports indicate that one worker was injured with second and third degree burns to his hands.
Hazardous and/or waste materials known to be inside the building at the time of the fire included; lead-acid auto batteries, waste oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and compressed gas cylinders containing acetylene and oxygen. Initial EPA and Ecology actions included; assessing and controlling contaminated runoff, air monitoring, and characterization of unknown materials.
