Bayview man wakes up to burning balcony

A Bayview man lost half of his second floor balcony last week after embers from construction work caused a fire. The homeowner, Don Izzet, who is also a contractor, was working on the balcony of his home on Pioneer Park Place during last Monday afternoon’s heat when he decided to take a lunch break. He fell asleep for about an hour, after eating, until he was awaken by a friend around 2:30 p.m. who said his balcony was on fire. The smoldering fire was put out within 15 minutes.

August 2, 2016 6:08 pm
Firefighters aim to put out a smoldering fire that cost a Bayview man his balcony last week.
Firefighters aim to put out a smoldering fire that cost a Bayview man his balcony last week.

A Bayview man lost half of his second floor balcony last week after embers from construction work caused a fire.

The homeowner, Don Izzet,  who is also a contractor, was working on the balcony of his home on Pioneer Park Place during last Monday afternoon’s heat when he decided to take a lunch break. He fell asleep for about an hour, after eating, until he was awakened by a friend around 2:30 p.m. who said his balcony was on fire. The smoldering fire was put out within 15 minutes.

Half of the balcony’s flooring was damaged, as well as the wall. Izzet was working with metal, so South Whidbey Fire/EMS Deputy Chief Jon Beck suspected sparks caused the fire to slowly grow over the course of an hour and half.

“The balcony was fine when I went in for lunch,” Izzet said.

Beck said Izzet had the situation locked down when firefighters arrived. Izzet estimated the damage totaled near $20,000.