Authorities Investigate Possible Fatal Fire in Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One confirmed that crews responded to a fire in the 8800 block of 75th Avenue Northwest shortly before midnight, and it's possible there was a fatality.

The department received multiple reports from neighbors of loud explosions. Crews arrived to find the house fully engulfed in flames, according to spokesman Eric Waters.

"A caretaker that lived in a separate dwelling on the property confirmed an elderly male lived in the house and was seen in the house just prior to the fire," Waters said. "Fire crews attempted to make entry to find the occupant but were unable to make entry to the house due to the intensity of the fire." 

It took firefighters almost an hour and a half to control the fire, and crews from the Tacoma Fire Department, West Pierce Fire & Rescue, South Kitsap Fire & Rescue, and Key Peninsula Fire were called to assist.

Firefighters still haven't been able to enter the residence, in part, because it's so unstable.

"Due to the extent of damage, structural collapse, we haven’t been able to get it," said Waters, who added crews hope to enter the home this afternoon.

The house was constructed of heavy timbers and sustained extensive damage with structural collapse in most areas.  

Heavy equipment is being brought in so that investigators are able to safely conduct the fire investigation.

At this time it is believed the elderly male occupant died in the fire. That won't be confirmed until fire investigators enter the fire area and complete their investigation.

The fire is under investigation by the Pierce County Fire Marshal’s office and the Pierce County Sheriffs Office.