Structure fire shuts down major roadway in East Pierce County
A roadway has shut down in Pierce County after a structure fire Tuesday morning.
Valley Avenue East is closed in both directions from Cannery Way to 116th near Sumner, according to the city on X at 8:41 a.m.
Firefighters are on scene in the 11600 block of Valley Avenue East near the North Puyallup area, according to PulsePoint.
A detached garage with possible living quarters is on fire. It is unknown how it started, and no one was reported inside as of now, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson deputy Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune.
Valley Avenue East and Houston Road are closed west of Sumner Heights Drive after someone struck a hydrant, the post said in an update at 9:38 a.m. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
Houston Road was initially used for anyone trying to get to or from Sumner due to the fire.
Cappetto said the Valley Avenue strip is mainly used for commuters, buses and semi-trucks. Police are out there turning around the semi-trucks and buses.
The area will be closed for several hours.
10:35 a.m. update: Valley Avenue East has reopened. Houston Road East is still closed due to water on the roadway from the struck fire hydrant, the Sheriff’s Office wrote on X.
Final update: Houston Road has reopened.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 9:24 AM.
