Kent Regional Fire Authority firefighters responded to two residential fires today, Nov. 22, that were reported within 25 minutes of each other.

The first was reported at 2:30 p.m. in the 25300 block of 146 Ave. SE, on Kent’s east hill. The two people who were home at the time of the fire were able to get out safely and no one was injured. While the fire is under investigation, it appears to involve the clothes dryer. Fortunately, no one was displaced by the fire though there was smoke and water damage in the laundry room.

At 2:55 p.m., less than 30 minutes after the first fire, the firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of Central Ave. S. where firefighters found a mobile home with smoke coming from two sides of it. No one was home when the firefighters entered the residence to extinguish the fire. The fire was confined to the room of origin, although there was smoke damage throughout. Firefighters have made contact with the owner who confirmed that none of the five residents were inside the home. That fire is also under investigation.

Although the fires took place at nearly the same time, they were several mile apart and there is no indication the two were related in any way.

The weather played a factor today with snow and ice covered roadways forcing firefighters to travel more cautiously. Kent firefighters will continue to travel at reduced speeds due to the cold and snowy weather that is expected to continue through the next 24 hours.