PORT ORCHARD, WA — A community is mourning the devastating loss of a father and his young daughter after a house fire in unincorporated Port Orchard claimed both their lives in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025. Authorities from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR) are currently investigating the tragic incident, which unfolded under challenging emergency conditions.

Early Morning Fire Ends in Tragedy

At approximately 1:30 a.m., 911 dispatchers received a distress call from one of the residents of the home, located in a quiet area of unincorporated Port Orchard. Deputies from KCSO and firefighters with CKFR were immediately dispatched. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the home fully engulfed in flames, with thick smoke pouring from the structure and intense heat making entry perilous.

CKFR responders arrived soon after and faced immediate difficulties due to low water pressure in nearby hydrants. Multiple water tenders had to be dispatched to supply enough water to battle the fast-moving blaze. Despite the tireless efforts of fire crews, the inferno had already claimed two lives by the time it was extinguished.

Victims Identified: A Father and His 9-Year-Old Daughter

The victims have been identified as a 40-year-old man and his 9-year-old daughter, both of whom suffered fatal injuries as a result of the fire. Their names have not been publicly released pending notification of extended family.

Emergency responders worked heroically to locate and rescue those inside, but sadly, the father and daughter could not be saved in time. Officials have not yet confirmed whether others were in the home at the time or if any survivors were transported to hospitals.

Ongoing Investigation

The Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office and KCSO Detectives have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life. The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies and determine the official cause and manner of death for both victims.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated somewhere within the residence, but no foul play has been confirmed or ruled out. Fire investigators will be analyzing the scene carefully over the coming days.

Community Grieves Profound Loss

The deaths have shaken the local Port Orchard community, where neighbors describe the victims as kind and close-knit. “You never expect something like this to happen so close to home,” said one neighbor. “They were a sweet family. My heart breaks for the mother and anyone else who’s affected.”

The Port Orchard School District, where the young girl was a student, has issued a brief statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming that grief counselors will be made available to students and staff. “This is an unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of this young girl.”

Fire Safety and Hydrant Concerns

This incident has also brought renewed attention to infrastructure issues, particularly the low water pressure that hindered firefighting efforts. While CKFR acted swiftly by dispatching additional resources, fire officials acknowledge that the lack of adequate water supply in certain areas remains a concern—especially in rural or unincorporated parts of Kitsap County.

A full review of fire hydrant systems in the area is expected in the wake of this tragedy.

A Family Changed Forever

As investigators search for answers, the family and the wider community are left to grapple with a heartbreaking loss. A father, gone far too soon. A child, her future taken before it could begin. Tributes and memorials are beginning to appear near the home, as neighbors light candles, leave flowers, and offer prayers.

Anyone with information related to the fire or who may have witnessed unusual activity in the area around the time of the incident is urged to contact the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

This is a developing story. More details will be released as the investigation progresses.

May the memory of the father and daughter be a blessing to all who knew them.