Ammo Cache Found After Renton House Fire Kills 1, Injures 3

RENTON, WA — A massive fire destroyed a Renton home, killing one person and injuring three others Friday morning. Roy Gunsolus, deputy chief for the Renton Regional Fire Authority, said the first floor of the house was already engulfed in flames when the first crews arrived.

Firefighters responded to Queen Place Northeast within four minutes of the 911 call, around 2:15 a.m., and quickly found people trapped on the second floor, Gunsolus said. The Renton Police Department was able to get one person to safety and firefighters secured two others. Crews were unable to reach another person, who died in the fire.

Gunsolus said one patient had critical injuries and was rushed to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Two patients had minor injuries and were released. A firefighter also suffered a minor hand injury.

Firefighters said a massive stockpile of ammunition, estimated to weigh 1,500 pounds, was reported inside the house, and federal agents from the ATF are assisting in the investigation. The size of the fire and the amount of damage has kept crews from entering the structure and the investigation is in its early stages. Gunsolus told Patch the fire's cause was still undetermined.

During the height of the fire response, eight engine companies and two ladder companies were on scene, with crews from neighboring Tukwila, Bellevue and King County fire departments providing support.

At least two fire crews were expected to remain on scene through most of Friday, managing hotspots and assisting in the investigation. The identity of the person who died will be released by the King County Medical Examiner's Office.