TOPPENISH, Wash.- UPDATE: 2:32 p.m. According to Toppenish Fire Chief Tim Smith, all evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted.
The fire was at the Sapphire Gas Solutions pumping station not the Beet Factory according to Smith.
All roads are now open.
UPDATE. 12:23 p.m. The Level 3: GO NOW evacuation notice for residents within a half mile of the intersection of Buena Way and McDonald Rd. has been cancelled according to Yakima Valley Emergency Management.
A Level 3: GO NOW evacuation notice was issued due to a propane tank explosion and fire. Those who live in the area immediately around the explosion, like the Yakama Nation housing complex, are advised to stay out.
Toppenish Middle School is being evacuated, with students being transported to Valley View Elementary according to the Toppenish school district. Parents are asked to pick up students at Valley View as soon as possible.
Multiple fire, law enforcement and emergency organizations are currently on scene of the explosion and fire near the Sugar Beet Factory and several roads are currently closed.
Fire crews are still actively working in the area, but the fire is believed to be out at this time according to Yakima County Fire District #5 Chief Ken Shipman.
Two people were injured in the explosion and fire according to emergency personnel on scene. They are still being treated and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
Shipman said there are currently no worries regarding any toxic fumes in the air as they believe all the gas released was consumed by the fire and the biggest concern was the explosion itself.
Road Closures:
According to the Department of Transportaion, Yakima Valley Emergency Management and the Washington State Patrol, several roads are currently closed until further notice.
Buena Way from I-82 to Toppenish.
Fraley Rd.
E. McDonald Rd.
SR 22 in both direction north of Toppenish at milepost 2.3.
I-83 eastbound at exit 50 into Toppenish.
