Update: Fire marshal releases information about fatal house fire west of the Narrows
Update: The Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau ruled the incident an accident, according to Fire Marshall Ken Rice. The covered patio had two stand up freezers plugged into the house, Rice told the Gateway Friday. The fire started where the freezers were, he said.
They were not able to determine the exact cause due to the amount of damage. Rice said it could have been a malfunction with the cord or something entirely different. The house was deemed a total loss.
The explosions that were reported and heard by neighbors were several oxygen cylinders that ruptured, Rice said.
Initial post: The Key Peninsula community is rallying to help a family after a devastating fire.
Key Peninsula Fire responded to a residential fire with explosions around 11 p.m. July 5 near Palmer Lake.
When crews arrived, they found 71-year-old Howard Johnson and his daughter, Barbara, both suffering from burns.
Crews airlifted Johnson to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and he later died from his injuries. His daughter was transported to Tacoma General Hospital.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office released Johnson’s name this week. They said Johnson died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
“The Johnsons have been dear friends to many in our KP community, supporting people through food distribution, prayer support, addiction sponsorship, and offering a listening ear and word of encouragement to anybody in need,” Dan Whitmarsh, Pastor of Lakebay Community Church, wrote on a GoFundMe page for the family.
He wrote many had been wondering how they could support the family.
Barbara authorized him to set up the page in order to raise funds to support her own expenses and costs of a funeral for her father, Whitmarsh wrote.
In a Facebook post, Whitmarsh said all money donated to the church over the next 30 days would also be given directly to the family.
Information on a memorial service will be available at a later date.
Johnson had been a member of the church for about 20 years, Whitmarsh told the Gateway.
“Howard was was a dear member of the community and loved people well,” Whitmarsh said.
Whitmarsh described Johnson as a listening ear to anyone who was struggling.
Johnson formerly ran a food bank ministry out of the church.
“He called it M&M ministry for meet and mingle,” Whitmarsh said. “They had meals and sent groceries home with people. For a while he’d collect leftovers from the local Panera Bread at the end of the day.”
About three years ago Barbara moved in with her father right before her mother passed, Whitmarsh added.
Barbara has been discharged from the hospital and is currently staying with a friend on the Key Peninsula while she heals, according to Whitmarsh.
A Key Peninsula business has also stepped up to support the family.
El Sombero at 15611 Olson Dr. NW announced on Facebook that they’re holding a fundraiser for the family.
They’ll donate 25 percent of dine-in and takeout sales Thursday, July 13, to support the family. The restaurant is open until 9 p.m.
Community members have helped secure a new phone, clothes, toiletries, eyeglasses, and food to support the family, according to the Key Peninsula Facebook page, and someone volunteered to watch the family’s chickens.
This story was originally published July 13, 2023 at 5:19 PM.
