A Monday night fire tore through a building under construction in Tacoma, turning the project into a total loss and pushing thick smoke across the South Tacoma neighborhood. The blaze destroyed the unfinished structure and damaged two nearby apartment buildings. No injuries were reported, and residents were urged to steer clear while firefighters battled the flames.
Crews were called out around 9 p.m. to the 4000 block of South Puget Sound Avenue, where flames were quickly spreading through the skeletal construction site. The Tacoma Fire Department told KOMO the building under construction was a "total loss" by about 10:30 p.m., and firefighters had the blaze under control roughly an hour later, at around 11:30 p.m.
Damage, road closures and mutual aid
One apartment building directly north of the construction site suffered extensive fire damage, while a second adjacent complex was left with exterior damage, according to KIRO 7. South Puget Sound Avenue was shut down between South 38th and South 43rd streets as multiple engines and crews worked in tight quarters to contain the spread.
Central Pierce Engine 61 and West Pierce Engine 20 responded to assist Tacoma units, providing mutual aid as firefighters poured water onto hot spots and protected the surrounding apartment buildings. Crews were expected to remain on scene for several hours while investigators moved through the wreckage.
Investigation and scene photos
Fire investigators were back on site early Tuesday to search for the origin of the blaze. The Tacoma Fire Department said the cause remains under investigation, according to KOMO.
The department shared images showing heavy structural damage to the under-construction building and scorched siding on nearby units, underscoring just how close the fire came to spreading further. City officials had not yet released details about any displacement or when residents might be allowed back into affected apartments. Neighbors are being urged to monitor Tacoma Fire and the City of Tacoma for official updates, with investigators expected to release more information once their on-site work is complete.
