Valley Regional Fire Authority fire investigators have determined that unattended cooking caused the fire in northeast Auburn that took the lives of a man and his small son July 19.

According to the King County Medical Examiner, Nicholas Weisenbach, 26, and Omen Weisenbach, 4, died of “asphyxia due to smoke inhalation.”

The VRFA estimates damage to the 3,500 square foot, four-plex building at 2307 O St. NE at $700,000.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Auburn Police Department helped with the investigation.

A neighbor called the fire in to 911 dispatchers at 11:30 p.m. on July 19. Neighbors reported that people were trapped inside one of the units. Auburn police officers tried to enter the unit before fire crews got there, but intense heat and flames pushed them back. VRFA crews soon arrived and knocked down the fire, allowing them to reach the second floor, where they found the two bodies.

The other people in the building got out safely, and the American Red Cross helped them with food and shelter. The Puget Sound Fire Authority, South King Fire & Rescue, King County Medic One and Rehab One from King County Fire District 20 helped the VRFA during the incident.

The Valley Regional Fire Authority reminds everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms and practice a family fire escape plan. The VRFA offers a free smoke alarm and battery program for residents in Auburn, Algona and Pacific, and assistance with installation and fire escape planning. Those who are in need of this program should contact the VRFA at 253-288-5881 or askthevrfa@vrfa.org.

Alarms and batteries have been provided through grants from the Auburn Area Fire Medic Committee, World Vision, the Costco Wholesale Corporation and the Energizer Battery Company.