SEATTLE – Seattle Fire crews stayed busy last weekend, as they responded to several structure fires, two of which were full responses. The first fire occurred in a residential home at the 11000 Block of 40th Ave. NE on Oct. 27. House occupants were able to safely evacuate prior to Seattle Fire’s arrival on scene. When crews arrived, they reported seeing a large amount of fire from the car port. Due to the heavy amount of fire, crews initially fought the fire defensively from outside of the structure. Once deemed safe to do so, firefighters entered the home and began to push fire out. They searched the residence and found no one inside. The fire was under control in approximately 48 minutes.
The American Red Cross was called to assist four displaced residents. Fire investigators ruled this fire as accidental, and determined the fire started from a malfunction in one of the vehicle’s engine compartments. The fire extended from the carport to the residence, and the total estimated loss is $610,000.
The second fire occurred on Oct. 28 at the 200 Block of Etruria St. When firefighters arrived on scene, they reported smoke and flames visible from a two-story structure that houses businesses. Crews extinguished the majority of the fire within approximately 11 minutes. Ladder companies searched the building and reported no occupants were found inside. Due to quick and efficient firefighting efforts, the fire was fully extinguished within 40 minutes.
Fire investigators ruled this fire as accidental, and determined the fire was caused by an overheated electric power strip. The fire started on the first floor of the commercial building, and the estimated loss is $500,000.
Safety tip: Close bedroom doors before going to sleep. This can give your family members extra time to find an alternative escape route or wait for rescue.
– Acting Public Information Officer, Firefighter Hilton Almond