May 7—Seattle Firefighters responded to reports of an explosion at a gas production facility in the 7700 block of East Marginal Way South at 1:28 p.m. this afternoon.

A half-dozen workers safely evacuated from the facility by the time the first engine company arrived on scene. The small explosion occurred in a manufacturing building that produced Acetylene which is a highly explosive gas used in welding torches.

The manufacturing building had deflagration venting, which are vents designed to absorb or relieve the effects of the explosion when it occurs. The specialized venting also prevents unacceptable structural damage and protects against life threatening injuries to those inside or near the building. Several deflagration vents were dislodged from the building and some windows suffered damage. There were no injuries.

A 500 foot perimeter was established around the building as a precaution. Inside the building, automatic systems activated which shut down the gas producing process.

Firefighters with gas monitors and protective equipment entered the building to make sure the gas manufacturing process was shut down. No additional flammable gas was detected and the scene was turned over to the property owners.

Damage estiamtes are 20 thousand dollars to the structure and 10 thousand dollars to the contents.