Fire Marshal: Electrical Malfunction Started Fire

Firefighters were dispatched to investigate black smoke coming from a Crescent Valley-area house at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. According to officials, the resident, who had been in the shower, smelled smoke and searched the home in the 9400 block of Randall Drive Northwest. After the resident found the fire on the second floor, she shut off the electricity, left the house and called 911.

Once the first crew arrived, firefighters immediately tackled the fire from outside the home. The first floor suffered some smoke and water damage, but they were able to contain the fire on the second floor, according to authorities.

Officials also said they had difficulty accessing the flames because trees had grown over the driveway. Two fire engines were damaged while trying to enter the driveway, the officials said.

The Pierce County Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire an accident. The officials said electrical malfunction from overloaded circuitry caused the fire to start on the second floor. The home was reported to have been built in the 1930s and still had old knob-and-tube wiring.

Officials said the Red Cross was contacted to provide support for the resident.

A volunteer firefighter injured his ankle during the fire and was taken to a nearby hospital. A total of three engine companies and two medic unit crews responded to the incident.

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One reminds everyone to check their smoke alarms regularly and have a fire escape plan. In addition, driveways need to be maintained to ensure access for fire department apparatus. If you would like additional information on fire safety, please contact the Prevention Division at 253-851-5111 or go to http://www.piercefire.org/pcfd5.