Woman found dead after Valley Road house fire

By Dan Hammock • June 26, 2021 1:30 am

A 41-year-old Hoquiam woman died in a house fire on Valley Road north of Grays Harbor City earlier this week.

Grays Harbor County Coroner Robert G. Kegel said Misty D. Charnell died of smoke inhalation and burns on Monday morning.

“Identification is presumptive, based on circumstances and the statements of family members,” he said. “The remains are being examined by forensic anthropoligist Katherine Taylor.”

The call of a structure fire on Valley Road came in at 5:17 a.m. Monday, said Grays Harbor Fire District 6 Chief Tim Spradlin.

“When we arrived the single story structure was fully involved,” said Spradlin. The Hoquiam Fire Department also assisted on the scene.

Because there were no hydrants in the area, Spradlin said water had to be trucked in to fight the fire. The intensity of blaze kept firefighters from entering the home.

“The structure was heavily involved in fire and a search of the residence was not possible during the initial attack,” said Spradlin. “At that time, it was unknown if there were any occupants still in the residence.”

Firefighters fought the blaze throughout the morning, trying to keep the fire from spreading to sheds, vehicles and surrounding vegetation. When the fire was knocked down several hours later, Spradlin said more than 40,000 gallons of water was used to douse the blaze.

The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office is heading up the fire investigation, said Spradlin.

“This case is still an active investigation, but there is nothing suspicious at this time,” said Grays Harbor County Undersheriff Brad Johansson.