Seattle explosion destroys building, Nine firefighters injured

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Associated Press – SEATTLE (AP) - Authorities say nine Seattle fire fighters are injured and residents have been evacuated following a natural gas explosion.

Fire department spokeswoman Corey Orvold says crews are fighting flames following the blast early Wednesday.

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She says all the injured fire fighters are being treated for minor wounds at a hospital.

The blast and fire occurred in the city's Greenwood neighborhood after fire fighters responded to a report of a natural gas leak.

Orvold says that about 40 minutes after they arrived an explosion rocked the area.

There is no word of any other injuries or anyone missing. But Orvold says dogs are being used to go through the rubble just in case.

An undetermined number of residents of two nearby buildings have been evacuated.

She says at least one building and possibly two have been heavily damaged, while several others in the area have shattered windows and other problems.