A Kent Fire Department investigator and firefighters are working carefully to determine what started a East Hill house fire in the 13100 block of Southeast 232nd Court at approximately 6 a.m. Friday.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Fire heavily damaged the two-story home and flames were visible from all four sides as firefighters arrived, according to a Kent Fire Department media release. The smoke column could be seen as far away as Interstate 405. It took firefighters 20 minutes to control the fire and to prevent damage to other houses in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No one was home when the fire started. The owners arrived after firefighters had already begun extinguishing the flames. A cat that lives in the home has not been found. Neighbors are assisting the owners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Because of the fire’s intensity, the roof and second-story flooring structural members, which are made of lightweight wood, are in danger of failing. This could lead to a collapse of the entire upper story of the home.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As a precaution all further firefighting and the investigation will be conducted from the exterior of the house unless the structure is found to be safe to enter.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n