PORT HADLOCK — An elderly couple was left temporarily homeless after an early evening fire at their home in Port Hadlock.
There were no injuries but the husband and a neighbor were evaluated on scene for smoke inhalation.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue was called for a structure fire at 6:24 p.m. Thursday after neighbors on W. Moore St. saw smoke and flames coming from the back of the house.
Firefighters determined the fire was started by lit cigarettes on the back deck, which ignited a plastic container, said Bill Beezley, EJFR spokesperson.
When firefighters arrived to the house on the 70 block of West Market Street, flames were poking out of the roof with smoke was coming out of windows. The fire was limited to one room.
Firefighters had to tear down the ceiling in the room to get into the attic space where the fire was.
Another neighbor assisted in evacuating the elderly couple and their dog, and then unsuccessfully attempted to put out the fire with a garden hose.
The house suffered flame damage to a back room and the deck. Water damage was also present and the entire structure received smoke damage, forcing the occupants to request overnight shelter assistance from the American Red Cross.
The Jefferson County Fire Investigation Task Force responded immediately after the fire was extinguished and is conducting an investigation into the cause.
Units from Naval Magazine Indian Island, Port Ludlow Fire and Rescue and Quilcene Fire Rescue also responded to the call.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5550, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
