Fire destroys Freeland vacation home
Published 1:30 am Friday, July 7, 2023
The cause of an early morning fire in Freeland this week that resulted in no injuries is unknown, according to South Whidbey Fire/EMS.
Five minutes before 1 a.m. on July 5, a caller from a boat in Holmes Harbor reported seeing flames about a mile north of the Freeland Post Office, Deputy Chief Terry Ney said. A total of 14 personnel responded to a fully involved house fire on East Harbor Road, with assistance from Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue, WhidbeyHealth EMS and the Island County Sheriff’s Office.
Firefighters were on scene until about 4:30 that morning.
“The fire was complicated by the presence of a large propane tank against one outside wall, which was venting propane that increased the fire on that side of the house, as well as a car in the garage which added to the fuel load,” Ney said.
The house, which is a vacation home, is a total loss. Since it is not a primary residence, Ney explained, the four adults who escaped without injury are not left homeless.
An investigation of the fire was carried out this week, but a cause could not be determined.
