A two-alarm fire tore through a motel along Pacific Highway in Federal Way early Wednesday, forcing 35 people from their rooms and affecting 15 families in a matter of minutes. Fire crews knocked down the bulk of the flames by mid-morning, then stayed on scene to chase hot spots and secure the charred property. No injuries were reported among firefighters, and one person was taken to St. Francis Medical Center for observation, officials said.
What officials say
South King Fire reported that the blaze erupted at 33230 Pacific Hwy S and was contained with help from neighboring mutual-aid departments. The agency told KOMO that the American Red Cross was called in immediately and, working with the City of Federal Way, is providing emergency housing and other support for those forced out.
Where it happened
Public property records and commercial listings describe 33230 Pacific Hwy S as a motel property sitting on roughly a 0.67-acre parcel, a land-use designation that allows multiple small units on a single site. Online directory listings show the address operating as the East Wind Motel, a budget stop along the I-5 corridor, according to MapQuest.
According to South King Fire, everyone inside got out before crews arrived, and investigators are still working to determine how the blaze started. The city and the Red Cross are coordinating temporary shelter and basic necessities for displaced residents while fire crews and inspectors evaluate structural damage and start the long recovery process, officials told KOMO…