Woman found dead in 2-alarm duplex fire near Gig Harbor

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A woman who was missing after a duplex fire Wednesday night in Pierce County, just north of Gig Harbor has been found dead.

PHOTOS: Woman found dead after 2-alarm fire

Firefighters were called to Firdrona Drive Northwest and Peacock Hill Avenue Northwest at 11:30 p.m.

When crews arrived, half of the building was engulfed in flames.

Neighbors warned the firefighters that there were people inside the building, but the flames forced crews into a defensive posture.

Firefighters were able to search one side of the building and learned that a man was able to escape, but a woman was still missing.

Fire officials said the building was very unstable and had to wait until daylight before going inside to search for the woman.

Gig Harbor firefighters later found her body inside the duplex Thursday morning.

The family in the other unit was not home at the time of the fire and may be on vacation.

Cox Media Group