Burien

December 9-An 87-year-old Burien man suffered second-degree burns in an early morning home fire before his dramatic rescue by two North Highline firefighters.

The victim, who had to be resuscitated at the scene, was in serious but stable condition in the burn unit at Harborview Medical Center late last week.

According to North Highline Fire Chief Scott LaVielle, firefighters were dispatched to the house at 12638 14th Ave. S. at 12:06 a.m. and arrived three minutes later.

The back of the house was fully engulfed in flames, and neighbors told them someone was trapped inside.

A two-man rescue team-Ed Marrs, brother of Burien Fire Chief Mike Marrs, and Ray De Marais-went in and came back with the man who was unconscious and not breathing. They started administering CPR and he was breathing when Medic One arrived.

Because of his condition, paramedics incubated him and transported him to Harborview.

"They did an excellent job getting him out," LaVielle said. "They only had one shot at it."

The $200,000 house was a complete loss as were its contents valued at $125,000.

LaVielle said the cause of the fire was identified as a recently purchased space heater that ignited combustible materials nearby.

Firefighters said the fire was difficult to put out, because there were a lot of boxes and papers inside the house.

LaVielle cautioned the public on the use of space heaters, noting they should be at least three feet away from combustible materials when in use.

Newer model electric space heaters are preferable to those run by kerosene or gasoline, he said. And extension cords should not be used to connect them to an electrical outlet.

They should have automatic shutoff-and should be turned off when no one is in the same room.

Des Moines

Ex-con pleads guilty to DUI, hit and run

December 11-A Des Moines man pled guilty in King County Superior Court to charges of felony eluding, felony hit and run and DUI.

Mark A. Davis, 26, a convicted felon and a repeat DUI offender, is scheduled to be sentenced later this month

According to the Washington State Patrol, on March 2 at approximately 10 p.m., a drunk driver later identified as Davis proceeded northbound on Interstate 5 near South 272nd Street.

Davis was driving a 1987 Jeep Wagoneer when he passed a trooper at a high rate of speed. The trooper attempted to stop Davis for his speeding but he exited to South 272nd Street and continued for several miles.

He increased his speed on the side streets and turned off his headlights.

After Davis ran numerous red lights, troopers terminated the chase. Davis continued driving erratically and eventually struck several vehicles in the intersection of Auburn Way and 30th Avenue N.E.

The collision caused Davis' Wagoneer to roll over. Davis, who was not injured, crawled from his Jeep and fled on foot. A witness to the collision chased Davis down and tackled him in a parking lot and held him until troopers arrived.

Davis's blood alcohol content was a .13, according to court documents filed by King County prosecutors.

Compiled by Ralph Nichols