An East Pierce firefighter was flagged down by several passing motorists around 4 p.m. yesterday. He was returning from mop up efforts at the site of Sunday’s brush fire behind the Falling Water subdivision when the passing motorists spotted a column of smoke coming from the Ponderosa neighborhood in Bonney Lake.
Firefighter Bill Sandlian assisted neighbors who were helping the resident evacuate the burning double-wide mobile home at the 20200 block of 101st Street East. He radioed to the incoming crews that heavy smoke was billowing from the eaves and windows.
The firefighters made an aggressive attack to stop the fire, while firefighter-paramedics treated the resident for mild smoke inhalation. She refused transport to the hospital. No other injuries were reported.
According to Pierce County Fire Marshal Mark Carman, the fire originated in the kitchen. The cause has been ruled accidental. The home is a total loss, he said. Damages are estimated at $42,000 for the structure and contents. The American Red Cross is providing temporary alternative housing for the resident.
