Community Police & Fire

One person killed in fire on Key Peninsula early on the Fourth of July

One person died in a fire early on the morning of Friday, July 4, at a home off 144th Street Court NW near Wauna, on the west side of Burley Lagoon, according to Key Peninsula Fire Department.

The fire was reported at 2:17 a.m. Investigators have not announced the cause of the fire, but ruled out fireworks as a source.

A GoFundMe fundraiser created on July 5 identifies the homeowners as Dave and Lori Stewart. A “close long-time friend,” who had been living with them, died in the fire, according to the GoFundMe post. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as Robert Willis, 81, of Gig Harbor.

The Stewarts and their infant grandchild escaped the fire, as did other family members in an RV outside. As of noon on July 8, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $9,500 toward a goal of $50,000.

Carney Lake fire

A second blaze, reported at 7:35 a.m., began while firefighters were still on scene at the first location. Firefighters believe an electrical problem caused the second fire, on 154th Street NW near Carney Lake.

The American Red Cross is assisting families from both fires.

“We are thankful for the enormous amount of help received from Gig Harbor Fire Medic and One, South Kitsap Fire and Rescue and Mason County Fire who provided mutual aid for both fires,” Key Peninsula fire public information office Anne Nesbit said in an email to Gig Harbor Now.

Both Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One and Key Peninsula Fire reported a busy Fourth of July.

GHFMO responded to 41 calls for service, which Assistant Chief Tom Wescott called “a very busy day.” That included helping Key Peninsula with the two house fires and “a few vegetation fires.”

GHFMO also doused a half-acre brush fire on 22nd Avenue, just east of Central Valley Road, on Monday, July 7.

Key Peninsula Fire responded to 20 calls on the Fourth of July, a heavy lift for the smaller department. Eight of those were fireworks-related, Nesbit said.