Body recovered after Ocean Shores house fire

By Dan Hammock • March 3, 2021 4:00 pm
COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Ocean Shores firefighters battled a blaze on Octopus Avenue Tuesday. A body was found after the fire was extinguished. The house was a total loss.
COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Ocean Shores firefighters battled a blaze on Octopus Avenue Tuesday. A body was found after the fire was extinguished. The house was a total loss.

One person was found dead in the aftermath of a house fire Tuesday in Ocean Shores.

The report of a residential house fire in the 200 block of Octopus Avenue Northeast came in at 2:50 p.m.

“The caller reported there was heavy black smoke and flames seen coming from the roof,” read a statement from Ocean Shores Deputy Police Chief Kyle Watson. “It was also said the windows of the residence were blowing out, and flames could be seen.”

“First-arriving units reported that a single-story home was fully engulfed in flames and threatening homes on either side,” said Ocean Shores firefighter Kara McDermott.

Ocean Shores Fire responded with several apparatus, including an engine, ladder truck and two medic units, said McDermott. Fire District 7 also sent an engine and two crew members to assist.

“Conditions on scene were too dangerous for firefighters to attempt interior operations, including several explosions,” said McDermott.

Crews focused on containing the fire to the original home. It took about an hour to control the blaze.

“Though crews were able to prevent the spread of fire to neighboring homes, the original structure was a complete loss,” said McDermott.

“Midway through operations, incident command on the scene was informed by residents of the structure that there was likely someone inside the home,” said McDermott. “After initial extinguishment, a body was recovered,” and turned over to the Grays Harbor County Coroner’s Office for identification. The identity of the victim was not known Wednesday morning.

Ocean Shores fire remained on the scene overnight to monitor conditions, prevent reignition and provide security along with the police department.

An investigation to determine the cause of the fire is being conducted by the Ocean Shores police and fire departments with the assistance of a special investigation team from the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, said Watson.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Firefighters were able to contain a house fire on Octopus Avenue in Ocean Shores Tuesday to prevent damage to adjacent homes. A body was found in the home. The fire is under investigation.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Firefighters were able to contain a house fire on Octopus Avenue in Ocean Shores Tuesday to prevent damage to adjacent homes. A body was found in the home. The fire is under investigation.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT A body was recovered from a residential fire on Octopus Avenue in Ocean Shores Tuesday.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT A body was recovered from a residential fire on Octopus Avenue in Ocean Shores Tuesday.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Ocean Shores firefighters battled a blaze on Octopus Avenue Tuesday. A body was found after the fire was extinguished. The house was a total loss.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Ocean Shores firefighters battled a blaze on Octopus Avenue Tuesday. A body was found after the fire was extinguished. The house was a total loss.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Firefighters were able to contain a house fire on Octopus Avenue in Ocean Shores Tuesday to prevent damage to adjacent homes. A body was found in the home. The fire is under investigation.

COURTESY OCEAN SHORES FIRE DEPARTMENT Firefighters were able to contain a house fire on Octopus Avenue in Ocean Shores Tuesday to prevent damage to adjacent homes. A body was found in the home. The fire is under investigation.