Central Kitsap firefighters spent hours battling a fierce three-alarm house fire June 6 that caused extensive damage to at least three structures on Erlands Beach Loop NW.

The call was dispatched at 11:59 a.m. for a residential structure fire that was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm and then a three-alarm fire by 12:40 p.m. The fire began in a single house but spread to two neighboring structures, including a two-car garage and a second house.

Two firefighters were inside the second house when CKFR reported there was a collapse of the ceiling, briefly trapping them inside. A “Mayday” was called, but both firefighters escaped by themselves without injury.

No humans or pets were harmed in the blaze, the department said.

CKFR public information officer Ileana LiMarzi reported firefighters were left at that point to battle the flames defensively, officials declining to enter the house for safety reasons. Mutual aid was provided by crews from Poulsbo, Bremerton, South Kitsap and Navy Region Northwest. Cascade Natural Gas was also brought on scene after a gas leak was discovered.

At least one of the structures has been regarded as a total loss. “The original house did burn to the ground,” LiMarzi said. “My best guess is the other two will also be labeled total losses. I did hear that one of the houses’ roofs had collapsed.”

Residents were asked to avoid the area due to heavy air pollution – the smoke was visible to many along Dyes Inlet -among other concerns. Rehab crews monitored the vitals of firefighters and ensured they stayed hydrated in the warm conditions.