PATCHES NEARBY: Man Severely Burned In Lakewood House Fire, Airlifted to Harborview Medical Center

A Lakewood resident was severely burned during a house fire in the 10100 block of 98th St. SW, according to Michelle Johnson, West Pierce Fire & Rescue captain.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Johnson said, illegal activity is suspected in the home. Johnson didn't elaborate.

"The fire team is not doing a physical investigation in the house now," she said. "Now, we're outside the house and waiting for a search warrant for the house."

The man was identified as Lakewood resident James Rogers by a woman who claimed to be his mother. Fire officials said the man—in his mid-30s—was on the ground outside the home upon arrival. He was immediately transported to Clover Park High School, then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.

Video from Kiro's Chopper 7 shows flames shooting through holes in the roof of the one-story home. The entire right side of the house was severely damaged. Other portions of the home have extensive smoke and heat damage. A damage assessment was not yet available.

Crews made an attempt to go inside—fearing there were people trapped—but conditions became too dangerous, Johnson said.

"Our battalion chief pulled everyone out and there were small explosions, so we knew we did the right thing," she said, adding the house burned for about 30 minutes.