SEATTLE – Seattle firefighters responded to the 2100 Blk of 41 Ave SW around 2:45 a.m. this morning for a house fire. The first arriving unit reported a well involved house fire with fire impinging on the house to the north. Fire crews quickly applied water onto the fire from the exterior before transitioning to an interior attack as well applying water on the exposure house to keep the fire from spreading into it. Crews also had to deal with a downed power line on the north side of the home. There was one occupant at home and was awoken by a smoke detector allowing him to exit without any injuries.
The fire was under control within 40 minutes and completely extinguished within 60. There were no injuries to firefighters. At the height of the fire were 6 engine companies and 3 ladder companies. The fire is under investigation and the estimated damage to the residence is $250,000 and $100,000 in contents and damage to the exposure home at $50,000.
Update as of 4:00 p.m. on January 2, 2019
Fire Investigators ruled the fire accidental, and determined it was caused by a Christmas tree in the living room that had caught fire from either an energized light string or lit candle ornament. Please remember to water your Christmas tree daily and to keep it at least 3 feet away from heating sources (fireplaces, candles, wood stoves, and heat vents).
Photos courtesy of John Odegard
