Condo fire leaves two homeless in Kent

A condo fire that was caused by oil heating on a stove top has left two people homeless in the 11300 block of S.E. 209 Place.

The fire, which was first reported at 7:55 p.m. Saturday, spread quickly into the kitchen cabinetry and into the wall behind it despite the homeowner’s attempts to fight it with a portable fire extinguisher. Firefighters from Kent and Renton were able to contain the fire to the condo, but a small amount of water damage was reported in the adjacent unit. Both floors of the condo suffered from the spread of fire as the flames went up through the wall to the second floor.

Both occupants were able to get out safely along with the next door neighbor. There were no reports of injuries. Unfortunately, due to the amount of damage to their condo, the residents where the fire started have been displaced. Red Cross is assisting them in finding temporary housing. All of the other units in the building are habitable.

Kent firefighters spent several hours searching for hidden fires due to the unusual construction of the wall behind the stove. Firefighters will remain on location throughout the night to ensure that the fire does not flare up again.

There were working smoke alarms in the condo. It is unknown if they alerted the homeowners.

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