Seattle — At 3:53 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting a brushfire extending to homes in the 2500 block of S. Myrtle St. in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. When the first units arrived on scene, they reported heavy smoke with flames extending to four homes. They worked quickly to evacuate the residences and put water on the fire. Incident command upgraded this to a 2-alarm, then 3-alarm response to request additional resources to prevent the fire from extending to more homes.
A separate fire response was dispatched to Northbound Interstate 5 due to reports of the brushfire traveling along the hillside adjacent to the highway. Impacting the hillside from S. Othello St. north toward S. Willow St. More than 120 firefighters and support personnel responded to the incident.
An Alert Seattle and Wireless Emergency Alert were sent to the impacted area encouraging residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering.
By 5:02 p.m., all areas of the fire were declared under control. Two patients, an adult male and adult female, were treated on scene then transported to Harborview for further care. Two homes sustained significant damage and are not inhabitable. Two additional homes sustained minor exterior damage.
A few units will remain on scene through the evening to monitor for flare ups. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Updated Sept. 15, 2025: Investigators ruled the fire as accidental. Likely caused by a spark from a vehicle or improperly discarded smoking materials.
SAFETY MESSAGE
The warm dry summer left dry brush and vegetation throughout the region. Even as we transition to fall weather, make 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. Don’t throw cigarettes out the window. Properly discard them in a canister or ashtray in your vehicle.
