Huge blaze levels Puyallup building; Central Pierce Fire & Fire Marshal investigating
Jun 14, 2026, 10:11 AM
An aerial truck apparatus sprays water on an outbuilding that was destroyed by fire on South Hill Saturday evening. (Photo: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)
(Photo: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)
Firefighters had their hands full Saturday evening when flames erupted from a big outbuilding in Puyallup’s South Hill neighborhood.
The fire broke out in a structure on Meridian Ave. E., just north of 144th St. E.
Intense flames made it impossible to enter the building and forced crews to take a defensive stance outside.
The building was a complete loss.
Firefighters from Central Pierce Fire & Rescue reported seeing a big column of smoke high in the air before they arrived.
That led authorities to call for additional units to help extinguish the flames.
Fire crews work to extinguish flames after this outbuilding caught fire Saturday on Puyallup’s South Hill. (Photo: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)
When crews got to the scene, flames had completely consumed the building.
Firefighters took a defensive approach, attacking the fire with handlines and aerial trucks.
While the fire leveled the building, crews were able to contain the flames without anyone getting hurt.
(Photo: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)
A large number of fire engines and other emergency vehicles responded.
Authorities say a total of 13 units arrived to help, including six fire suppression crews, three EMS, and four command or support units.
It’s unclear how the fire started.
The Pierce County Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the cause.
Tom Brock is the weekend editor and anchor for KIRO Newsradio. Read his stories here and email him here.
