MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Pierce County fire claims life of 76-year-old man, leaves half a dozen homeless

Jul 18, 2025, 5:35 PM | Updated: 5:36 pm

Pierce County fire...

A fire in Pierce County at an adult family care home killed one person and left others displaced. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

Fire investigators in Pierce County are still trying to determine what caused an early morning fire at the Little House Adult Family Care Home on 90th Street East in Midland.

The first 911 calls started coming in just after 7 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they said the rear of the building was engulfed.

Nine people were inside, including two caregivers. Everyone managed to get out, then they noticed that a man, who was bound to a wheelchair, was unaccounted for.

“They (firefighters) prioritized the back side of the home, which is where the 76-year-old man was last seen, and sadly, they did find him deceased,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office routinely responds when there is a death investigation.

Half a dozen displaced by Pierce County fire

The most immediate problem, for now, is that at least half a dozen people are now homeless.

“Many of these residents are displaced now and so just really working with services and facilities to accommodate them and provide for them while they work through this tough time,” Cappetto said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.

MyNorthwest News

Bite of Seattle (4)...

Tyrah Majors, KIRO 7 News

One month after Bite of Seattle shooting, King County expands mobile crisis response efforts

One month after a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle, investigators are still working to identify a possible third shooter connected to the gunfire.

55 minutes ago

Kirkland stolen property...

Jason Sutich

Kirkland police recover more than $30K in stolen property across King County

More than $30,000 in stolen property connected to burglaries and vehicle prowls was recently recovered across several King County cities.

2 hours ago

speed cameras vandalized...

James Lynch

Vandals target Bellevue’s new speed cameras

Just weeks after new speed cameras went up, the Bellevue Police Department said vandals have already started targeting them.

3 hours ago

Seattle fatal collision motorcycle...

MyNorthwest Staff

Motorcyclist killed in fatal hit-and-run collision near Seattle Pacific University

A fatal collision blocked all lanes near 6th Avenue W and W Nickerson Street on Wednesday, and Seattle police are currently investigating the cause.

3 hours ago

Jimothy (1) seattle raccoon ballard lego...

Jason Sutich

Jimothy’s gold rookie card has topped $12,000 on eBay — and bidding ends Sunday

A 13-year-old Mariners fan was the lucky winner of a Jimothy rookie card giveaway and has since listed it for auction on eBay, where the bid sits at $12,000.

4 hours ago

Parkland bar shooting...

James Lynch

Dozens flee as shots fired out outside Parkland bar

Pierce County deputies are asking for the public’s help after a chaotic early morning shooting outside a packed Parkland bar.

4 hours ago

Pierce County fire claims life of 76-year-old man, leaves half a dozen homeless