July 6–Seattle Fire Investigators determined a van fire in this morning in the Montlake area was caused by spontaneous combustion. The fire was ruled accidental.
At 8:22 a.m., a 911 call came to the Fire Alarm Center (FAC) reporting a Seattle City Parks painting van on fire at the corner of 24th Avenue East and East Interlaken Boulevard. The driver of the truck pulled over once he noticed smoke and flames coming from the back of the truck. Madison Park Engine Company 34 arrived and quickly extinguished the flames.
Fire investigators found oily rags piled together spontaneously combusted causing the fire. The damage estimate to the van is $13,000.
There were no reported injuries.