PORT ANGELES — A quick-thinking teenager helped firefighters contain a Wednesday morning house fire to one room southwest of Port Angeles, Clallam County Fire District No. 2 Chief Sam Phillips said.
No one was hurt in the blaze that occurred shortly before 8 a.m. at 3818 Airport Road.
Tyler Barr, 16, reported the fire to dispatchers.
Phillips said Barr had the presence of mind to close the bedroom door where the fire started, exit the home and phone 9-1-1.
“Tyler’s quick, calm action and his clear thinking to close the door reduced the amount of oxygen to the fire, helping to keep it in the room of origin,” Phillips said.
Phillips said the cause of the fire appeared to be combustible materials too close to a heater.
A detailed investigation is needed to rule out electrical malfunction of the heater, he said.
Heavy smoke
Crews were met with heavy black smoke throughout the home when they arrived.
Firefighters attacked the blaze after laying a supply line from a nearby hydrant.
The fire was under control within 25 minutes, Phillips said.
Fifteen firefighters and a command officer responded with two engines, one water tender, one squad and one command vehicle.
After the blaze was under control, crews removed noxious smoke from all of the rooms and protected furnishings from water used in mop-up activities.
The homeowner, Jamie Barr, praised firefighters for keeping the blaze contained to one room, Phillips said.
Clallam County Public Utility District crews disconnected the power to aid the safety of firefighters battling the fire.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control.
Phillips said the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the American Red Cross will help the family with food and lodging until the home can be repaired.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
