SEATTLE – At 4:38 p.m., Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a brush fire at 1St Ave. S. & E. Marginal Way S., next to highway 99. The first firefighters on scene reported the brush fire had spread to a nearby RV and several semitrucks with attached trailers that were parked along E. Marginal Way S. Firefighters also reported smoke and flames impinging on high energy wires. At least three utility poles were knocked down. Live wires were on the ground causing safety concerns for the crews on scene.
Seattle City Light responded and shut down power to the area. Power was shut off in an approximately half mile radius of the fire.
Firefighters were quick to get water on the fire using a defensive attack. Heavy smoke impacted visibility for drivers along Highway 99.
Within an hour, crews reported the fire was under control.
Six fire engines and two ladder trucks responded with a total of 27 personnel.
Crews are expected to remain on scene for several more hours as they work to extinguish the fire and establish safe operating conditions for Seattle City Light to restore power and repair damaged utility poles. Once the fire is out, crews will work to gain access to assess cause and damages.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
How to prevent brush and other dry weather-related fires:
- Do not light fireworks – besides being illegal, they cause serious injuries and fires.
- Dispose of smoking materials in proper receptacles and douse in water, not in planters, beauty bark or out of your vehicle window.
- Be sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging from your vehicle as they can throw sparks. Check your tire pressure – driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.
- Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass as hot exhaust pipes can lead to fires.
If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.