Update: Southworth house fire, smoke visible from West Seattle

(WSB photo)
9:37 AM: If you have a west-facing view and noticed the smoke by the Southworth ferry dock, it’s a house fire, according to a tweet from the Kitsap Sun. We got a call about it (thank you!) and are photographing the smoke from Constellation Park.

10:29 AM: The Sun reports firefighters say it’s “knocked down.” No other details yet but it is indeed close to the dock, according to this photo tweeted by a passenger:

House on fire from Southworth Ferry Terminal, WA. pic.twitter.com/MtsdUWzugz

— Jim Emery (@jimery) August 18, 2014

12:53 PM: Here’s the Kitsap Sun’s full story, plus a photo sent to us by Mark Dale:

Amanda August 18, 2014 (1:49 pm)

The house that is now a total loss due to the fire is located three houses down from where I live. The folks who have lost everything are extremely nice people with a young daughter. The firefighters did an amazing job keeping the fire contained and other homes protected, and the Red Cross has offered to put the family up in a hotel for a few days until they can sort out what to do next. Thank God, no loss of life to the family or their also very sweet kitty. Our little community is stunned, but rallying around our stricken neighbors.

WSB August 18, 2014 (2:00 pm)

Thank you, Amanda. Every so often there is a fire in Kitsap or on Vashon that is visible from here and people wonder what happened. I watch the Kitsap Sun fairly closely since many other things “over there” affect us too, so I will watch their coverage in case there is any word of a fund to help, etc. – Tracy

Amanda August 18, 2014 (3:03 pm)

Thank you so much, Tracy. The Kitsap Sun’s photo of the house in flames hit hard. The fire happened after I left for work this morning; it will be hard to get home tonight and see the devastation…I’ve been in touch with some of the family, who are understandably in shock, but rallying to move on to the “next steps.” – Amanda

Lori August 18, 2014 (9:13 pm)

Amanda,
Thank you so much for your posts. The family that lost everything is my daughter, son-in-law, and 8 year old granddaughter. The firefighters, the chaplain, and the Red Cross have been wonderful. My daughter and her husband are terrific people and they appreciate the neighbors and community where they have lived for the past 3 years. Thank you again.

Rachel August 21, 2014 (10:29 am)

For anyone interested in helping this wonderful family during this difficult time, there is a fundraising campaign here: http://www.gofundme.com/wilkielesterfire

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