Bellevue fire crews early this morning battled a duplex fire that severely damaged one living unit and destroyed two cars on the 13900 block of SE Newport Way.

Five occupants from the burning home and four in the adjoining duplex escaped safely.

One resident was taken to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

The adjoining duplex sustained smoke damage, but is expected to remain habitable, according to the Bellevue Fire Department.

Calls to 911 started around 4:42 a.m.

Fire investigators say the blaze appears to have started near an outside wall and spread rapidly to the second story and roof of the building.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but investigators say nothing looks suspicious.

The fire department has no official damage estimate at this time, but the occupants reportedly have insurance to cover the losses.

The Red Cross is assisting the affected occupants with food, clothing and sheltering needs.