September 26– Seattle Fire Investigators determined an electrical spark ignited natural gas inside a North Seattle home causing an explosion and fire early this morning. Two residents, a couple in their 50’s, were transported to Harborview Medical Center with burns. The woman was in critical condition and the man was in serious condition.

Shortly after 6 a.m., fire dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire at a one story home located in the 12300 block of 5th Avenue NE. The first arriving engine company called for a second alarm due to flames threatening nearby houses. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames within an hour.

As a precaution, 11 homes and a daycare center were evacuated between 5th Avenue NE and 6th Avenue NE, and NE 123rd Street and NE 124th Street. An emergency shelter was established at the Church of the Nazarene for about a dozen evacuated residents. After extensive testing by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the homes in the vicinity were determined to be safe from any natural gas leaks. Residents were allowed back in their homes at 1:00 p.m.