PORT HADLOCK — A Port Hadlock home was damaged by two fires within 13 days, forcing East Jefferson Fire-Rescue to declare the two-story structure uninhabitable.
Crews were dispatched to the house near Ninth Avenue and West Kinkaid Street at 1:26 a.m. Friday and found flames coming from the second floor, agency officials said.
All three residents and five cats were safety evacuated before East Jefferson Fire-Rescue knocked down the blaze.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
On Feb. 9, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue fought a fire in the same house that was caused by a wood burning stove, officials said in a press release.
The earlier fire caused only minimal damage but the cumulative damage to the walls, trusses and roof from the two fires rendered the structure unsafe, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue on Friday.
Port Ludlow Fire and Rescue and the Naval Magazine Indian Island Fire Department provided assistance on the Friday morning fire.
“As wood stoves may have been more heavily used due to the recent cold weather snap, home owners should be aware creosote buildup and other maintenance concerns may arise more often than in warmer winters,” East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Jim Walkowski said.
“Two fires in a short period of time in the same structure highlights the importance of keeping wood burning stoves well maintained and making sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
