Investigators on Friday were working to determine what started a fire that killed a 69-year-old man and his 19-year-old grandson at their Kent home.
The blaze was reported about 4 a.m. in the 3900 block of South 238th Street.
Firefighters found two women who had escaped the house, which was consumed by heavy flame and smoke when crews arrived. The women told firefighters two men were trapped inside.
Crews were unable to enter the house because the fire was burning too hot and the smoke was too thick. They knocked the flames down within minutes and tried to rescue the men, who were found dead inside.
The King County Medical Examiner identified the victims as Jan Van Allen and his grandson, Patrick Van Allen.
Cause of the fire had not been determined.
South King Fire & Rescue officials said the house apparently did not have a functioning smoke alarm.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries fighting the fire. One was treated at the scene; the other was taken to a hospital and later released.
stacia.glenn@ thenewstribune.com
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