Cle Elum, Washington --
The senior center in Cle Elum exploded in flames Saturday evening, injuring one and requiring treatment of a firefighter on scene.
According to Kittitas County Fire Spokesperson Richelle Risdon, the building was occupied at the onset of fire with 90-100 people.
Risdon tells KIRO 7 that the fire initially started as a BBQ grease fire and explosion. It burned through a propane tank hose before continuing through the building via fumes.
Incident Commander Dave Campbell evacuated firefighters safely just minutes before part of the roof began collapsing.
One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion. Another person was injured and transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle via airlift.
Risdon said that the senior center is loved by many and has been the heart for community gatherings for years.
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