Investigators Probe Causes After Two Whidbey Fires Displace Freeland Family

A 1,780-square-foot mobile home on Highway 525 in Freeland was destroyed in a multistation fire that kept crews on scene for several hours on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, officials and neighbors said. South Whidbey Fire/EMS led the response that Whidbey News-Times reports took about five hours to fight, and photographs show flames pouring from windows as dusk set in.

Fire Chief Nick Walsh told the News-Times the structure was a total loss and gave a loss estimate of around $510,000 for the mobile home. Walsh also praised neighbors who helped at the scene, saying, "A huge thanks to the neighbor." South Whidbey Fire/EMS provided images of the blaze and remained on scene with multiple stations responding.

Donna Moore, identified by FOX 13 Seattle as the home’s resident and grandmother, described her loss while walking through what remained of the house. "I’m literally devastated, all my memories are gone," Moore said. FOX 13 reports Moore and her family lost everything in the fire and that two dogs died trying to escape; Moore said, "The dogs perished in the backroom trying to flee. I have lost two of my best friends. It’s heartbreaking."

FOX 13 named Donna’s daughter and 5-year-old grandson Nathan as family members who were staying with her at the time and who are now without a home. Neighbors Roderick and Jessica Balos assisted after witnessing the fire; Jessica Balos said, "The grandson especially needs school uniform clothing, shoes, just the basics and things." The Baloses have been rallying local support, according to FOX 13.

Official accounts contain some differences on who was displaced and who was treated. Whidbey News-Times reports the larger fire displaced two people and that both occupants were able to escape prior to firefighters’ arrival. The News-Times also reported that one person was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation and minor burns and was released later that evening. FOX 13’s coverage presents the household impact as affecting a grandmother, her daughter and a 5-year-old grandson; investigators have not confirmed the final count of occupants at the time of the blaze.

Investigators remain on the scene and the cause is under investigation, Whidbey News-Times said. FOX 13 reported the family believes the fire started in the electrical panel, but noted that fire investigators do not yet know the official cause. South Whidbey Fire/EMS and any lead investigative agency have not released a final origin determination.

The incident is one of two separate fires on Whidbey Island that day; the Freeland mobile-home blaze was the larger of the two and drew the multistation response. Residents seeking confirmed details on the cause, the exact list of responding units, or verified ways to assist the family should look for updates from South Whidbey Fire/EMS and local authorities as investigators complete their report.