East Pierce Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Lane Walthers determined that a early Monday morning house fire was accidental.

East Pierce crews arrived on the scene to find the two-story home in the 121000 block of 221st Avenue Court East filled with smoke.

Lane said the occupants were alerted to the fire just after 7 a.m. by smoke alarms and escaped unharmed.

Walthers concluded that the blaze started when cardboard boxes located too close to a wall heater ignited. He estimated the damage to the home at around $5,000.

“It would have been much worse, but the engine companies did a great job putting out the fire before it caused extensive damage,” said Walthers.

“It’s important to remember, especially this time of year, to keep boxes, paper or anything else that can easily catch fire, well away from heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves,” he added.