PORT LUDLOW — Fire Chief Wayne Kier admitted that mistakes were made while fighting a Dec. 2 arson fire that destroyed a condominium fourplex, but told a supportive audience that his emergency crews did everything they could.
Kier spoke during a Friday afternoon community meeting organized at Station No. 31, 7650 Oak Bay Road.
Kier told the audience up front that he would not comment on the arson fire investigation or whether a suspect would be arrested.
Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigators, called in to assist the Port Ludlow-based fire district in its probe, made an arson determination five days after the blaze.
They said the fire began in a Ford Taurus sedan in the ground-level carport that witnesses saw burning with a door open.
The fire quickly spread to the three stories above the carport. All occupants escaped injury, but their possessions were destroyed.
Response reconstructed
Fire officials called Friday’s public meeting to explain what happened when county emergency teams were dispatched at about 4 a.m. to fight the spectacular fire at the Admiralty I Condominium Complex in The Resort At Port Ludlow.
Fire officials estimated the damage at more than $1 million.
Kier said he organized the meeting to “help everyone understand what happened.”
“Our fire district has taken it very personal,” he said.