SEQUIM — A shed on a piece of property just northwest of Sequim was destroyed last week by a fire thought to have been caused by discarded ashes.
Crews from Clallam County Fire District No. 3 arrived at the fully involved shed fire along Fitzgerald Road off Old Olympic Highway at 2:20 p.m. Thursday after a passer-by called 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers, said Patrick Young, Fire District No. 3 public information officer.
Firefighters knocked down the fire in 15 to 20 minutes and left the scene at about 4:30 p.m., Young said.
The 12-foot-by-16-foot shed, which contained a riding lawn mower, was destroyed, Young said, though he did not have a damage estimate.
A van parked nearby had broken windows and scorched paint, he said.
The owners of both reportedly had insurance, Young added.
The ashes that likely started the fire had been disposed of next to the shed, Young said.
An unidentified man at the fire was given oxygen for minor smoke inhalation but was not transported to a hospital, Young said.
The North Olympic Peninsula chapter of the American Red Cross was called to assist a woman who reportedly was living in the van.
Twelve Fire District No. 3 personnel responded to the fire with five pieces of equipment.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
