From a press release:

East Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighters rescued a Prairie Ridge resident from his burning house Friday.

The crews responded to a report of a fire at the 14400 block of Prairie Ridge Drive East just before 3:30 p.m. When they arrived, flames and smoke were coming from the roof of the double-wide, manufactured home.

Two adults had already escaped the home and were outside when the firefighters pulled up. According to officials at the scene, the remaining occupant was unable to join the others outside due to severe mobility issues.

Five East Pierce firefighters entered the burning house to bring him out. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A second resident was also transported.

Nearly 30 East Pierce firefighters and seven fire engines battled the blaze. A medic unit from Central Pierce Fire and Rescue was also called to the scene.

East Pierce spokeswoman Dina Sutherland said that the location of the fire made fighting it a challenge. However, firefighters were able to contain it to the attic.

Fire investigators said the cause of the fire appears to be a faulty electrical fan in the bathroom, although the fire remains under investigation.

The American Red Cross was called to provide housing assistance to the residents who were displaced.

The occupants said that a smoke alarm alerted them to the fire and gave the two a chance to escape.

“Most people don’t realize how fast fires move,” said East Pierce Lt. Jeff Moore. “Once it gets going, fire more than doubles in size every minute and the smoke is just as deadly. The increasing use of plastic and synthetic products in home construction means fires today burn hotter than even ten years ago. Smoke alarms are essential to surviving a house fire.”