A residence in Elma is considered a “total loss” following a fire on Dec. 27.

The Elma Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the 100 block of West Main Street on Dec. 27 at 11:08 a.m. Grays Harbor Fire District 5 was automatically dispatched with Elma. Fire District 2 and Fire District 12/McCleary also were requested for mutual aid to the scene.

A citizen passerby entered the structure and got the residents out of the building, according to a press release from the Elma Fire Department. One occupant was transported to the hospital for possible smoke inhalation.

Elma Fire Chief Tyson Boling told The Vidette that it’s his understanding that the citizen passer-by had kicked in the door of the structure in the process of helping to evacuate residents. Boling declined to give the name of the good Samaritan but said the person may be recognized for his or her actions should the person wish to have their name made public.

The first arriving units, an engine and rescue vehicle from Elma, advised that flames were coming from the rear of the residence.

Units extinguished the flames quickly. Units cleared the scene at 3:48 p.m. after flare-ups could be contained. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.