Seattle firefighters responded to a string of recent fires in midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
March 27 at 9:30 p.m.: Staff at the Jim Clark Marina reported a well involved fire that quickly engulfed multiple vessels docked at the property. Flames with heavy smoke billowed high into the sky making them visible for miles around. Nine engines, three ladder trucks, Fireboat Leschi, Rescue Boat Five and several strategic support units were dispatched to the scene.
Intense heat and limited access to the vessels on fire were immediate challenges our crews had to overcome. Two ladder trucks raised their aerial ladders to pour water on the fire while a hose line was dragged onto the dock to provide close range fire suppression. Meanwhile, crews searched every boat and confirmed no one was on board any vessel. Fireboat Leschi arrived shortly thereafter to provide primary fire suppression. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 30 minutes while an engine company stayed overnight for fire watch. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire and no injuries were reported.
March 28 at 10:45 a.m.: Multiple callers reported a well involved fire in a vacant building at the 600 block of Roy St, facing Aurora Ave N. The first crews on scene attempted a primary search of the two-story former hotel, but were forced to cease efforts due to the deteriorating conditions of the floors as well as heavy smoke causing poor visibility.
Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy with several ladder companies utilizing their aerials ladders to pour water into the building while additional crews used hose lines at the ground level. Trash and debris inside the structure continued to fuel the fire, but we were able to gain control of it within a few hours. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire due to significant damage and risk of structural collapse. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was able to make a full recovery.
April 4 at 05:15 a.m.: Crews responded to another vacant building fire at the 800 block of N 50th St near Aurora Ave N. Crews cut through a chain-link fence surrounding the structure in order to gain access and pour water on the fire. They transitioned to a defensive strategy as all the heavy smoke caused poor visibility and the conditions inside the building were unknown. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and no injuries were reported.
