The Wilkeson man who died in a house fire has been identified
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who died in a house fire on April 3.
Andrew Schmidt, 41, died after he was pulled from the burning home by firefighters. The manner and cause of his death have not yet been determined by the medical examiner.
Before fire crews arrived at the house in the 500 block of Davis Street, police officers and a neighbor tried to rescue Schmidt but were forced back by heavy smoke in the single-story house. A police officer was treated for smoke inhalation.
Neighbors noticed smoke coming from the home about 2 p.m. and notified authorities.
An initial investigation pointed toward an electrical malfunction, Buckley Fire Department Chief Eric Skogen said.
Craig Sailor
The News Tribune