Firefighters from East Pierce Fire and Rescue responded to multiple reports of a house fire at the 15100 block of 276th Avenue East, just after 5 a.m. today, Thursday. The crews from four fire engines and a medic unit arrived to find the attached garage of a two-story house engulfed in flames.
The firefighters were able to save the house, located north of Wilkeson, although it suffered heavy smoke damage, according to East Pierce Battalion Chief Pat Beers. The garage and a motor home inside the garage were a total loss.
Three adults living in the home escaped before the firefighters arrived. The American Red Cross is providing temporary housing for the residents who have been displaced by the fire.
An engine company from Buckley Fire Department assisted. No one was injured in the blaze. However, several pets perished.
Fire marshals believe the fire originated in the garage. The cause is under investigation.
Earlier in the day, East Pierce firefighters were called to the scene of a truck fire at 21600 block of 34th Street East near Dieringer Heights Elementary School. At 2:45 p.m. a vacuum truck that removes insulation apparently malfunctioned, igniting debris inside the 20-foot, van-type vehicle. There was no damage to the home and no injuries were reported.
Police were called to the scene to provide after-school traffic control.
