A fire that was fueled by high winds damaged more than half of a home on Thornton Drive in Sequim on Sunday, July 9, Clallam County Fire District 3 reported.

Inhabitants of the two-story structure on the 300 block of Thornton Drive were able to exit the residence with minor injuries, from scrapes to singed hair. No firefighter injuries were reported during the incident.

According to the fire district, firefighters were dispatched to the area near Dungeness Spit at about 2:35 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and when Engine 33 arrived more than half of the structure was on fire.

The owner said he was alerted to the fire by a smoke detector activation in the basement, and when he went to investigate, was met by a 6-foot flame climbing towards the ceiling, fire district representatives said. He then proceeded to get his family out of the building and called 9-1-1.

District official remind residents that “smoke detectors provide early notification of smoke and fire when properly installed and maintained.”

For current smoke detector recommended best practices, they encouraged residents to visit ccfd3.org.

A total of 24 firefighters participated in the firefight, supported by four fire engines, four water tenders, a rehab unit, one basic life support ambulance from Olympic Ambulance, and a battalion chief.

Clallam County Fire & Rescue District 2 provided mutual aid support with a fire engine, a water tender and an assistant chief. East Jefferson Fire & Rescue provided mutual aid support by staffing the Blyn fire station on the Eastern end of the fire district.