2-alarm fire destroys, damages 3 Lakewood homes

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — An early morning fire in Lakewood destroyed one home, damaged two others and displaced five people.

West Pierce firefighters were called to the 14400 block of Union Avenue Southwest in the Tillicum neighborhood just before 1 a.m. Friday.

PHOTOS: Home destroyed, 2 others damaged in Lakewood fire

Large flames and heavy smoke could be seen from multiple Washington State Department of Transportation cameras along I-5.

Firefighters told KIRO 7 the two-alarm fire started in one home and then spread to homes on either side.  It took firefighters about an hour to get the flames under control.

One home is a total loss.

KIRO 7 spoke with the owner of one of the homes.

"I just can't believe it.  I spent a lot of money, all my resources to build this duplex," said Gene Tetteh. "It took me a year and a half. So, now, it's a loss."

Everyone was able to get out safely. No injuries have been reported.

The Red Cross is assisting the five people who were displaced.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Cox Media Group