Updated 12/25: Our fire investigators ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined as they are unable to safely enter the building due to concerns for structural integrity
Seattle — 11:46 a.m.: Our Fire Alarm Center received multiple reports of heavy smoke coming from the vacant Seven Gables Theater at the 900 Block of NE 50th St. Engine 31 was first on scene and confirmed a well involved fire with flames visible on the 2nd floor and heavy smoke. The building was confirmed vacant and there were no reports of a person inside. The vacant, unkempt building with heavy smoke led crews to fight in a defensive strategy where they poured water onto the fire from a outside at a safer distance.
By 1 p.m., the incident scaled up to a 3-alarm fire as crews continued to pour water on the fire. More than 130 firefighters consisting of 14 fire engines, six ladder trucks and additional support units responded to the fire. Twenty minutes later, the roof began to collapse forcing crews to relocate their apparatuses to a safe distance. The sidewalk and roadway adjacent to the building were closed off as a safety precaution.
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control by 2:10 p.m. and began pairing down the response. A fire engine and ladder truck will remain onsite overnight to monitor for flare ups.
Our fire investigators ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined as they are unable to safely enter the building due to concerns for structural integrity. No injuries were reported. No other buildings sustained significant damage from this fire.