A University Place house was severely damaged Wednesday by a fire that took West Pierce Fire & Rescue crews more than an hour to put out.
A woman who lives at the two-story home in the 5300 block of 87th Avenue Court West heard an explosion about 10:35 a.m., just before flames in the basement sent her fleeing outside.
More than 30 firefighters arrived within five minutes and found the house fully involved with flames burning so hot crews weren’t able to get inside and search for the woman’s 20-year-old granddaughter, officials said.
It turned out the granddaughter wasn’t home at the time of the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the family’s cat couldn’t be found.
A cause had not been determined.
stacia.glenn@ thenewstribune.com
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