Homes crushed, damaged by landslides near Stanwood

One home was crushed and another damaged when several landslides occurred near Stanwood.

Firefighters said the cliff at McKees Beach crumbled at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, sending a stream of debris 75 feet down into two homes on the shore.

"We have had heavy rains for the last several days, and the ground is very saturated,” said Christian Davis with North County Regional Fire Authority.

One home crumbled onto itself and another was shoved off of its foundation.

• Slideshow: Home demolished by powerful mudslide

One person was home at the time of the slide, but was able to get out safely.

"We've seen moderate slides before.  I personally haven't seen a whole house destroyed, so this is a first for me,” said neighbor Donna Palmer.

Palmer said residents along the rural road quickly called and emailed each other.

"(My husband) said, ‘Donna, you're not going to believe it, Anderson's house is down,’” said Palmer.

Palmer’s husband came over to turn off two large propane tanks at the homes.

Another concern is that the homes may push into power lines, though crews have cut the electricity.

Palmer said other homes were damaged in slides about 15 years ago.

“It’s sad and it’s awful,” said Palmer.

Neighbors said a man lives with his mother in one home.  A woman living in the other house lost her husband two days ago.

Officials said it was safe for neighbors to stay in their homes, but crews are still at the scene making sure the hillside is safe.