From staff reports

South King Fire and Rescue firefighters rescued seven people from an early morning fire Dec. 21 at the Crystal Pointe Apartments, 35407 25th Ave. SW, Federal Way.

When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy smoke and flames, as well as people trapped in the second and third floors of the building. Crews quickly brought ladders to the windows and brought seven people to safety. Two other people jumped from their second floor window, according to a report from the fire department.

Occupants of the apartment on fire escaped, but did not close the door behind them. The fire quickly spread up the stairwell, blocking the exit to the occupants in the upper units. The heavy, poisonous smoke sent three people to St. Francis Hospital for smoke inhalation. Displaced occupants are being cared for by family and friends, the report stated.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A total of five units suffered fire, smoke or water damage, the report said.