Smoke Alarms Alert Occupants in House Fire in University Place
University Place, Wash. – At approximately 12:15 a.m. this morning, West Pierce Fire & Rescue responded to the report of a brush fire in the area behind the Cascade Apartments in University Place. Crews arrived to instead find a house fire and University Place Police officers banging on the door of the residence, attempting to alert the occupants. Smoke alarms were also sounding and between the two, the occupants woke up and safely evacuated the home.
The fire started on the roof and was not related to fireworks, according to the Pierce County Fire Marshals Office. The fire is under investigation, but is believed to be related to roof construction.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue offers a free smoke alarm program, thanks to grant funding. Residents in University Place and Lakewood may call (253) 983-4583 to request an appointment to have their smoke alarms assessed by West Pierce Fire & Rescue personnel and installed or replaced at no cost.