CKFR firefighter injured during blaze that destroyed five-unit complex

A Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue firefighter was injured while responding to a fire in the Chico area late Tuesday night, the second blaze in as many days that destroyed a home and sent a firefighter to St. Michael Medical Center.

According to CKFR, crews responded to the fire at an apartment building on NW Country Lane, off Chico Way near Kitsap Golf and Country Club, around 11:45 p.m., along with firefighters from Navy Region Northwest and Bremerton Fire Department. The attic of a five-unit complex was completely on fire and all five units were destroyed in the approximate hour it took crews to contain the blaze. CKFR reported that flames were initially seen coming from the roof when the fire was reported, and witnesses suggested that fireworks may have been involved.

The Kitsap County Fire Marshall and Kitsap County Sheriff's Office are now investigating, including the possibility that the fire was arson.

Five families lost their homes in the fire, but none of the nine residents were injured. The Red Cross is assisting with support for the people. The CKFR firefighter was injured when part of a ceiling fell on top of him, according to CKFR. He was taken to the hospital and released early Wednesday morning.