Seattle—At 8:42 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a dumpster fire in the alley of the 1700 block of NW Market St in the Ballard district. Engine 18 was initially dispatched as a single unit but upon arrival requested a first alarm assignment as flames from the dumpster were extending into a commercial building.
By 9:21 p.m., crews were able to get the fire under control, and it was extinguished by 9:40 p.m. The building was unoccupied. In total, approximately 55 firefighters responded to the scene including seven engines, four ladder trucks, Rescue Company 1, as well as an aid unit, a medic unit, support staff and command staff.
Fire safety tips for dumpsters:
- Locate dumpsters, recycle bins, and yard waste containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines.
- If possible, keep them in a secured area.
- Do not allow them to become overfilled
Update on Aug. 11: Fire investigators ruled the cause of this fire as “undetermined.” The fire started on the exterior in a garbage receptacle and extended to the adjacent building. Total estimated loss is $70k.