A large, three-alarm fire destroyed 36 apartment units on Wednesday evening in Federal Way, displacing approximately 100 people, according to officials.
South King Fire and Rescue (SKFR) crews responded to the fire at an apartment complex around 4:25 p.m. July 27 at 2111 SW 352nd St., according to the fire department.
The fire burned 36 units and a large portion of the roof collapsed, according to Capt. Brad Chaney of SKFR.
As of Wednesday night, approximately 100 people have been impacted by the fire, according to Betsy Robertson, spokesperson for the Red Cross.
All units were safely evacuated. Firefighters rescued two residents by ladder from the building’s upper floors. One person was sent to St. Francis Hospital for possible smoke inhalation. One firefighter was also transported to the hospital with minor heat-related injuries, Chaney said.
Amid the chaos, firefighters helped provide oxygen to a dog named Poncho, who suffered from possible smoke inhalation and is doing great, Chaney said.
City officials offered the Federal Way Community Center as a shelter for anyone affected, which helped four people on Wednesday night.
A crew who first arrived on the scene said the flames were coming from a second-story window and lapping up to the third floor, then engulfed the attic, Chaney said. The fire spread quickly due to heat, he added.
The King County Fire Investigators are working to find the cause of the blaze. In total, approximately 75 firefighters from several fire departments in the area responded to the fire, Chaney said.
Owners of Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream are collecting donations to help displaced families. Gift cards for restaurants, Walmart, Safeway, Target and Fred Meyer grocery stores can be dropped off at 31653 Pacific Highway S., Suite A.
If anyone displaced needs a place to stay or other assistance, the Red Cross encourages people to come to the shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
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