A former Coupeville dentist was killed in a fire at his Central Whidbey Island home early Saturday morning.
Michael Nieder was 67 years old, according to the Island County Coroner’s Office.
Oak Harbor Fire Chief Ray Merrill is investigating the cause of the blaze. He said Tuesday that it will likely be ruled undetermined because the extent of the fire damage makes it difficult to find evidence.
There is no evidence of foul play or arson, according to both Merrill and Detective Rick Felici of the Island County Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Jen Porter with Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue said firefighters had trouble finding the house fire at the somewhat isolated site on North Bluff Road.
The blaze was first reported by residents on Camano Island just after 1 a.m. Firefighters were dispatched to the area of Race Road and Arbor Drive. One fire truck looking for the fire on North Bluff Road initially drove past the home and didn’t see it because of the slope and trees, Porter said.
A neighbor finally noticed the fire and called in the address to 911.
Porter said the two-story house with a daylight basement was “heavily involved” on the first floor when firefighters arrived. The roof had collapsed, so firefighters initiated a “defensive fire attack,” Porter said; that means firefighters weren’t able to go inside to fight the fire but extinguished it from the outside.
The fire department called for mutual aid assistance from North Whidbey Fire and Rescue, South Whidbey Fire and Oak Harbor Fire.
“It was definitely all hands on board,” Porter said.
Porter said it took most of the night to extinguish the fire and put out the hot spots. Nieder’s dog was found safe outside of the home.
Merrill said firefighters soon realized that Nieder, the sole resident of the home, was missing. Starting at about 8 a.m., the sheriff’s office conducted a search of the perimeter and beach, but didn’t find anyone.
Nieder’s body was located in the home’s shell that afternoon. He died as a result of the house fire, according to Coroner Robert Bishop.
Merrill said the 2,500-square-foot home was completely destroyed.
Merrill said it appears that the fire started in the daylight basement, which had a wood stove and a lot of storage.
