Bremerton house fire claims lives of two teen-agers

Herald staff

BREMERTON — Two teen-age sisters died early Sunday after a fire broke out at their home.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental.

The Kitsap County coroner’s office identified the girls as Crystal Dickinson, 16, and Amanda Dickinson, 15. The cause of death was asphyxia, the coroner’s office said.

A 13-year-old sister and a man who was a friend of the family were treated for smoke inhalation at Harrison Memorial Hospital and released.

The parents were not home at the time of the fire, investigators said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Firefighters said the house did not have any working smoke detectors.

  • Judge admonished for courtroom conduct: A Municipal Court judge in Tukwila has been was admonished by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct for his "rude and demeaning" treatment of defendants. Judge Peter Lukevich, who received the formal, written admonishment on Friday, has been a judge for three years, presiding over traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases. He was accused of humiliating and intimidating defendants by repeatedly interrupting them and using an angry tone of voice. Lukevich said he was only trying to ensure compliance with court rules and convey the seriousness of the proceedings. But in hindsight, he said, he sees that his comments could be perceived as harsh and inappropriate.

  • No talks planned in strike: There were no plans for new talks in the city’s newspaper strike Sunday, as the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild walkout at the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer went into its 13th day. Federal mediator Jeff Clark he wasn’t holding out hope that the Guild and the papers will be able to find common ground or even come back to the bargaining table anytime soon. Meanwhile, the two strikebound dailies are getting closer to normal size. Times officials will probably decide this week when to resume charging for the papers, Times President H. Mason Sizemore said Sunday. The papers have been free since the strike began Nov. 21.

  • Carriers offer individual policies again: Insurance companies are again offering individual health-insurance policies to people who aren’t covered by group plans in Washington state, about a year after sales were halted on grounds that the policies were too expensive for carriers. Premera Blue Cross and Group Health Cooperative began offering individual health coverage Friday, and Regence BlueShield will begin taking applications Monday.

  • Interest might be tapped for financial aid program: Oregon’s largest financial aid program for college students is suffering from a $1.1 million shortfall. The total individual reductions would range from $86 for community college students to almost $150 for students at private universities. The $1.1 million deficit in the financial aid program was caused by about 1,000 more students than expected claiming their need grants this year.
    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Local News

    Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

    Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

    Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

    Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

    An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

    The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

    Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

    Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

    People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

    The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

    A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

    The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

    The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

    The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
    Northshore School District bond improvements underway

    The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

    Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
    Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

    The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

    Lynnwood
    Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

    Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

    Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

    Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

    Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

    The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.