WHIDBEY ISLAND — A fireworks detonation on Whidbey Island, Washington, destroyed or damaged three homes and injured five individuals, including three firefighters. The house where an estimated 700 pounds of fireworks were stored was consumed by a fireball.

A second home caught fire and burned down, while a third sustained serious damage in the blast. Authorities have indicated that the fire was most likely caused by someone smoking too close to the fireworks and dropping ash on them. Ring camera footage captured the moment the house storing the fireworks was destroyed.

Two of the injured firefighters were discharged from the hospital and are expected to recover. One injured firefighter is receiving treatment. Additionally, two civilians sought hospital care before being evaluated by first responders.

The Island County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether criminal charges are appropriate in connection with the incident. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also investigating the explosion.

Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue Chief Jerry Helm described the stored fireworks as "kind of like a little ticking time bomb you're not sure when they're going to go off." State Deputy Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers stated that the legality of possessing fireworks depends on their type and intended use. "If you are purchasing a commercial firework -also referred to as display fireworks - those are separately regulated and those are more intended for licensed public displays," Chambers said. She noted that a license is required to stage a display with commercial-grade fireworks and to purchase, distribute, or transport fireworks as part of a business. Fireworks bought on tribal land must also be used on tribal land. As of Thursday evening, the specific types of fireworks kept in the home and their intended use had not been publicly disclosed.