Seattle – At 7:31 p.m., the Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting heavy smoke coming from the basement of a two story home at the 100 block of NE 63rd St. Early reports from an occupant indicated there was one person still inside the home. Though the first units on scene later confirmed that person was able to evacuate. Firefighters entered the home to conduct a primary search and pour water on the fire, but were significantly impeded by excess furniture and debris that blocked access throughout the home.
The fire quickly extended through the first and second floors, then into the attic. Incident command ordered all firefighters to withdraw from the building due to the worsening conditions. Then transitioned to a defensive strategy by pouring water on the fire at a safe distance away from the building.
All six occupants were accounted for, and two of them were treated at the scene but declined further medical care. Red Cross was requested to assist with providing temporary shelter.
Patients:
- 40-year-old male in stable condition.
- 59-year-old male in stable condition.
Firefighters remain on scene as they work toward getting the fire under control, then fully extinguished. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Updated Oct. 2: Investigators ruled the cause of the fire was accidental, likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Estimated loss is $225,000.