The Southeast Thurston Fire Department said a double-decker fire caused by a candle in Yelm reportedly caused an air conditioning unit to explode.
Yelm, Wash. — A window-mounted air conditioning unit exploded during a fire at a Yelm duplex, according to the Thurston Fire Department.
Fire officials said crews were told a candle ignited a bedroom and the flames spread to the air conditioning unit and exploded.
Firefighters from Southeast Thurston Fire Department, Lacey Fire District 3, South Thurston Fire Rescue and East Olympia Fire Department responded to the scene near 103rd Avenue. The Yelm Police Department also helped evacuate residents from neighboring units.
When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the side of the small duplex. The fire spread slightly into the attic area before firefighters were able to put it out.
The Red Cross was asked to assist displaced families.
No residents or firefighters were injured, but some pets died in the fire.
