A Seattle Fire Investigator determined that an overnight house fire in the 4300 block of 5th Avenue Northwest started when combustibles piled too close to an operating power generator ignited inside the house.

The call came in just after 9:30 p.m. When firefighters arrived on scene smoke and flames were pouring from the fully involved house and spreading to the house next door. Firefighters made an initial entry into the burning home but the flames were too intense. At the same time, additional fire crews worked on protecting the houses in close proximity. Firefighters continued to attack the fire from the exterior.

The occupants, home at the time of the fire, got out safely and there were no injuries.  Damage to the two homes and their contents is estimated at $300,000.

As the temperatures drop, citizens are reminded that gas powered generators are never to be used indoors.