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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Chimney Fire Cause of Crown Hill House Fire

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February 6—A house fire in Crown Hill was determined to be caused by a chimney fire according to a Seattle Fire Investigator.

At 9:23 p.m., dispatchers received a 911 call reporting dark smoke coming from the roof of a home located in the 8800 block of 9th Avenue NW.

Engine Company 35 arrived to find smoke coming from the roof and attic of the one-story home. Firefighters searched the home but did not find anyone inside. After an aggressive attack, firefighters extinguished the flames in 14 minutes.

The fire investigator determined a chimney fire extended to the roof of the home. The damage estimate is $5,000.

$60,000 in Damage in Early Morning West Seattle Fire

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November 9- A chimney fire that expanded into the walls burned two townhome units in West Seattle this morning according to a Seattle Fire Investigator. Around 2:30 a.m., the Fire Alarm Center received a 911 call reporting a fire from a fireplace that had grown out of control.

Engine 11 arrived in the 84 hundred block of 26th Avenue Southwest to find flames coming from the roof of the two story complex. A full response was called. After 20 minutes, firefighters extinguished the flames.
Residents of the damaged townhomes escaped with no injuries. The American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents with temporary housing.

A Seattle Fire Investigator is calling this accidental in nature caused by a chimney fire that expanded to the wood walls around it. The damage estimate is $50,000 to the structure and $10,000 to the contents.

Ballard Chimney Fire causes $65,000 in Damage says Seattle Fire Investigator

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Photo Courtesty: John Odegard

November 3—An early morning fire inside a Ballard home was caused by heat from a smoldering fire according to a Seattle Fire Investigator. At 2:10 a.m, a 911 caller reported flames coming from a chimney. The fire grew and began burning the inside of a two-story home located at the 28 hundred block of NW 61st Street in Ballard.

Engine Company 18 arrived to find the occupants safely outside of the home and the fire burning into the attic. Within 5 minutes, Seattle Firefighters knocked down the fire and began placing tarps over the resident’s valuables to save the items from water damage.

A Seattle Fire Investigator is calling the fire an accidental fire caused by heat from a smoldering fire in the fireplace which ignited adjacent walls.

The damage estimate is set at $65,000 to the structure and the contents. The occupants decided to stay at a friend’s home for the morning.

As we head into the cooler Fall days and Winter months, the Seattle Fire Department’s Public Education Unit encourages residents to have chimney and heating systems inspected, cleaned and repaired. Public Educators stress to never leave a fire unattended.

In 2009, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says 17,910 Americans were taken to emergency rooms for injuries related to fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors.

Nationally in 2008, $246 million dollars in property damage was reported due to fireplace, chimney and chimney connector fires according to the (NFPA).