Explosion and flames reported: Man dies in east Pierce County fire

A man died Sunday night in East Pierce County when the mobile home he occupied burned to the ground, according to fire and police officials.

Neighbors heard an explosion and saw smoke and fire coming from the 2-acre property about 10 p.m., according to Pierce County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson deputy Carly Cappetto.

Firefighters from Buckley and East Pierce Fire & Rescue responded to the scene near state Route 165 and 150th Street, according to Kevin Stabenfeldt, East Pierce deputy chief. The location is between Buckley and Wilkeson.

Firefighters found the structure fully involved with fire approaching nearby vegetation.

After the fire was extinguished, firefighters found the body of a 66-year-old man, Cappetto said.

The property has multiple outbuildings, vehicles and no electricity, she said. The property had at least one other resident who was not on the scene at the time of the fire, she said.