This morning at approximately 8:50 a.m., fire crews responded to reports of a house fire at the intersection of SE Tibbetts Street and SE 52nd Avenue. Upon arrival, Engine 25 reported visible fire coming from the front of a one-story home. Crews quickly began suppression efforts and knocked down the main body of the fire by 8:55 a.m. Firefighters then searched the home for victims while extinguishing any remaining fire inside. No victims were found inside the residence. However, one person outside the home when crews arrived had suffered burns to their back and upper legs.
An employee from NW Natural was driving by when he noticed the fire and stopped to help before PF&R’s arrival. He assisted the injured person across the street to get them away from the burning building after noticing a large oxygen cylinder nearby. Shortly after they moved away from the area, the cylinder burned off, producing a brief fireball as the oxygen rapidly ignited.
AMR personnel responded to treat the injured individual and transported them to a burn center. Their condition is currently unknown, though they were conscious while being treated by crews.
The fire extended into the area above the front porch but was quickly extinguished. Firefighters operating on the roof confirmed that the fire did not spread to the remaining roof structure. The incident was officially recalled at 9:02 a.m.
A fire investigator has been called to determine the cause of the fire. The incident remains under investigation, and the department’s K9 investigator, Kiki, also responded to assist.
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