Central Kitsap firefighters spent hours battling a fierce three-alarm house fire that caused extensive damage to at least three homes on Erlands Beach Loop NW.

The call was dispatched at 11:59 a.m. June 6 for a residential structure fire that was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm and then a three-alarm fire by 12:40 p.m. The fire began in a single house but spread to two neighboring houses.

CKFR public information officer Ileana LiMarzi reported firefighters were left to battle the flames defensively, officials declining to enter the house for safety reasons. Mutual aid was provided by crews from Poulsbo, Bremerton, South Kitsap and Navy Region Northwest. Cascade Natural Gas was also brought on scene after a gas leak was discovered.

“The original house did burn to the ground,” LiMarzi said. “My best guess is the other two will also be labeled total losses. I did hear that one of the houses’ roofs had collapsed.”

Residents are being asked to avoid the area due to air pollution among other concerns. Rehab crews are monitoring the vitals of firefighters and ensuring they stay hydrated in the warm conditions.