PORT ANGELES — A man and 12 dogs died in an early morning house fire today, police said.
Police and fire officials are working to identify the man, who was about 60, and notify his next of kin.
Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said the cause of death will be determined in an autopsy.
One dog was rescued from the smoke and fire and taken to Olympic Veterinary Clinic in Port Angeles.
Cause of the blaze is under investigation by Port Angeles fire investigators and police detectives.
In a joint press statement, Smith and Fire Chief Ken Dubuc said firefighters responding at 5:28 a.m. to the fire found flames on multiple levels of the house at 218 E. Lopez Ave.
Firefighters initially fought the fire from the outside.
The multiple fires “prohibited firefighters from making an interior attack,” as well as searching for victims, they said.
When they were able to enter the house, they discovered the bodies of the man and dogs.
Dubuc estimated it took about 90 minutes to bring the fire under control.
He did not know how long it was before firefighters could enter the house, although he said it “took a while.”
“It was a dangerous situation,” said Dubuc, as the fire was burning “from above and below.”
The fire was contained to the house, police and fire officials believe the house will likely be a total loss.
Port Angeles Fire Department initially responded with Engine 11, Medic 11 and Ladder 11 — five personnel, according to the statement.
Three additional firefighters arrived on a second engine, and one Clallam County Fire District 2 volunteer responded.
Mutual aid was supplied by Clallam Fire District 3, which provided an engine and two personnel to staff the Port Angeles fire station.
Dubuc added that his department was in contact with the owner’s insurer.
Clallam County Assessor’s Office records show the building is owned by Jessica Strauss at the same Lopez Avenue address.
PORT ANGELES — A man died in an early morning house fire today, Port Angeles police said.
Police and fire officials are investigating the fire at 218 E. Lopez Ave., Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said.
The fire began at about 5:30 a.m., he said.
A man in his mid-50s to 60s was found dead inside the house, Smith said.
He has not been identified.
Smith said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire Chief Ken Dubuc would not comment.
He expects to release a joint statement with police later today.
