Photo by John Odegard Seattle — At 9:07 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke and flames coming from a vacant two-story residence in the 4300 block of 8th Ave. NE. in the University District. The first units to arrive on scene worked quickly to knock down the exterior portion of the fire and evacuate adjacent homes. Dispatchers received reports of a person trapped on the balcony of the vacant home, but crews searched around the building and did not find anyone in distress.
Firefighters maintained a defensive position by putting water on the fire at a safe distance away from the building while protecting adjacent homes. Crews utilized Ladder 9’s aerial to gain a better vantage point to put water on the fire through the second-floor windows. The fire was declared under control by 10:19 p.m.
After the smoke cleared, crews entered the building to extinguish hot spots and search for occupants. Later determining that the building was all clear, and no injuries were reported. A unit will remain overnight for fire watch. The cause of the fire is under investigation.