Two-alarm fire in Puyallup’s Summit neighborhood destroys townhome apartment

A two-alarm fire destroyed a townhouse apartment in Puyallup’s Summit neighborhood, burning five people out of their home.

A call to 911 came in just before 10:00 p.m. Friday, about a fire that broke out at the three-story Wynstone Townhomes, in the 5600 block of 121st St. E.

That’s just east of Canyon Rd., about a mile south of SR 512.

When firefighters arrived, they say flames were shooting through the roof.

Central Pierce Fire and Rescue officials say the response included nine fire engines, three medic units  and seven command vehicles.

A two-alarm fire in the Summit area of Pierce County destroyed a townhome apartment unit. (Photo: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)

Investigators say flames started pouring from a ground-floor garage, then spread to the 2nd and 3rd floors.

A quick attack got the fire under control within about 40 minutes.

According to a news release, firefighters started fighting the blaze with an aggressive attack.

But when the flames increased, due to heavy involvement from fire in the garage that extended to upper floors, the command staff requested a second alarm.

As crews worked to knock down the flames with water hoses, firefighters launched a search for anyone who might still be inside the burning apartment building.

They didn’t find anyone inside the burning structure.

(Photo: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)

The flames were under control by 10:38 p.m., and limited to single apartment.

Firefighters then began “overhaul” operations, which includes a thorough and systematic search for pockets of flames or embers still burning in walls, ceilings and floors.

Crews stayed at the scene until 2:00 a.m., making sure the flames did not rekindle.

The Red Cross is helping five people who were displaced by the fire find new places to stay.

The Pierce County Fire Marshal is investigating the fire’s cause.