A quick reminder as we approach the holiday weekend: cigarettes and fireworks are not a great combo. Cigarettes and 700 pounds of fireworks, even worse.
Out on Whidbey Island in Washington, a guy had been quietly building what neighbors describe as a very not-quiet stockpile of fireworks. We’re talking hundreds of pounds, sitting around his place like it was a Fourth of July warehouse.
Apparently, this wasn’t exactly a secret. Neighbors had seen it, questioned it, and one even said he had an air conditioner running outside… to keep the fireworks cool. Which, sure, nothing about that raises a flag.
Last week, a fresh batch of fireworks shows up… and just a few hours later, boom. Massive explosion. Two homes gone, a third damaged, and five people hurt—including a couple of firefighters. Thankfully, everyone’s expected to be okay.
Investigators now say there’s evidence someone was smoking near the stash. Which feels like the most predictable plot twist imaginable.
And just to complete the story arc, neighbors say the guy packed up and left shortly after—reportedly on advice from his lawyer. Authorities are now looking into whether charges are coming.
So yeah… if you’re ever wondering what not to do over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, maybe start there.