Pierce County man who survived ‘devastating’ house fire reunites with firefighters
A Pierce County man who suffered injuries after his house burned down last year reunited with the first responders who saved him during an event at Orting Valley Fire & Rescue Station 40 on Thursday.
Norman Allen was sleeping in his Orting house when flames engulfed it on Aug. 15, 2024. His neighbors noticed the flames and reported it to 911 at 1:26 a.m., according to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue’s spokesperson Captain Michael Auvil via email.
“Within minutes, firefighters from Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, Graham Fire & Rescue, and Orting Valley Fire & Rescue arrived, aggressively attacking the fire, and searching for victims,” he wrote.
Allen was found unresponsive in his bedroom. Firefighters rescued him, and he was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for severe burns and smoke inhalation, Auvil said. Allen dealt with surgeries from his injuries. He was rehabilitated and recovered.
“Norman is back home with his family, grateful for the extra time he was given. The reunion at Station 40 brought together Norman, his family, and the firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs who played a role in his rescue and recovery. For the responders, hearing Norman’s story of perseverance and strength was a powerful reminder of why they train tirelessly for moments like this,” he said.
Auvil said that not every call has a good outcome, but Allen’s was.
“Reuniting with Norman and seeing his resilience is the greatest validation of our service,” he said. “While Norman’s recovery journey continues, he faces it with an unshakable Marine spirit—bolstered by the support of his family, friends, and the first responders who saved his life.”
