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Off-duty firefighter spots Lakewood apartment fire then helps residents to safety

Firefighters extinguish an apartment fire Wednesday afternoon in the 4800 block of 121st Street SW in Lakewood. 
Firefighters extinguish an apartment fire Wednesday afternoon in the 4800 block of 121st Street SW in Lakewood.  West Pierce Fire & Rescue

An off-duty firefighter saw smoke pouring from a Lakewood apartment building and then helped its occupants escape the fire Wednesday afternoon.

West Pierce Fire & Rescue Capt. Chris Pfaff called 911 around 3:45 p.m. when he noticed the fire in the 4800 block of 121st Street SW.

The building has eight units, and Pfaff immediately started knocking on doors and getting people out, said Jenny Weekes, West Pierce spokesperson.

There were no injuries, but Pfaff was transported as a precaution.

Weekes said 17 people were displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross said it was aiding the residents.

This story was originally published May 31, 2023 at 5:10 PM.

Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
Craig Sailor has worked for The News Tribune since 1998 as a writer, editor and photographer. He previously worked at The Olympian and at other newspapers in Nevada and California. He has a degree in journalism from San Jose State University.
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