Heavy flames from an apartment fire forced 16 residents and a few pets from their homes on Sunday afternoon.

A total of 11 South King Fire and Rescue units, along with a Tacoma Fire Department engine, responded at 12:05 p.m. to the blaze that engulfed several units at the Fox Run Apartments, 34700 2nd Lane. S.

Crews were met with heavy flames from the bottom floor all the way to the roof of the three-story structure on the balcony side, stated Lt. Brad Chaney, public information officer for SKFR.

It took over 30 minutes for crews to contain the blaze, as they made an aggressive attack on the seat of the fire, which appeared to have started at the ground floor, Chaney stated.

Crews then entered the units to extinguish the flames inside, as well as attack the attic space to ensure the fire didn’t sread to other units.

There were no injuries reported. Crews rescued a cat and one fish. Overall 16 people were displaced and Red Cross was deployed to assist with four adults and one dog, Chaney noted. Other residents went to stay with family members, and some were able to be relocated with the help of Fox Run Apartments, he said.

King County Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire, which is unknown at this time.

SKFR encourages residents who want to help the fire victims to make donations to well-known and established organizations such as Red Cross.

Photo courtesy of Evergreen Media Production