About that smoke and smell: Boat fire in Ballard

(Photo by Carolyn Newman – smoke visible from Seacrest area, looking north)

8:37 PM: Lots of calls and texts about smoke and/or a smoky smell in north West Seattle – it’s a Seattle Fire marine response all the way from the north side of Elliott Bay – 5100 block of Shilshole NW, in Ballard, according to the SFD log. Citywide news outlets are tweeting that it’s a boat fire.

9:32 PM: Via Twitter, KING says it was a 70-foot wooden boat and that it spread to some “smaller boats” too. SFD tweets that a structure also was involved.

11:16 PM: SFD update:

Crews continue to monitor for potential spot fires at marina incident. Fire investigators responded to scene. Photos from earlier: pic.twitter.com/9MUQzL7M9d

— Seattle Fire Dept (@SeattleFire) May 22, 2017

LAintheJunction May 21, 2017 (8:41 pm)

Thanks Tracy!

JanS May 21, 2017 (8:45 pm)

yes, thanks. We were talking about it, but nothing under breaking news. I can definitely smell it in my apartment, with the windows open…

Daniel May 21, 2017 (8:51 pm)

But what about the smoke and smell coming from the south, can be seen and smelt from beach drive

T May 21, 2017 (8:52 pm)

Thank you for the answer! I wish everyone had the same 1st to go to news resource.

junctioneer May 21, 2017 (9:09 pm)

West Seattle Blog delivers yet again

K* May 21, 2017 (9:23 pm)

Smell at Lincoln Park and looked around to see one. West Seattle blog is right there to let us know!! 👍🏻

WSB May 21, 2017 (9:47 pm)

And thanks again to those who called and texted (206-293-6302, any time, 24/7/365) … when we hear from two or more people about something that’s not happening in West Seattle but can be seen, heard, and/or smelled from West Seattle, that generally means it needs to be mentioned here. (Thanks also to the people who e-mailed – we weren’t in front of the computer at the time, but the hotline is mobile so it always gets us immediately.) – TR

Marc May 21, 2017 (9:55 pm)

Sorry, I didn’t think this would be covered here. Returning from Holy Mountain brewing, and a schload of Red emergency vehicles tear-assing north on Elliott Ave. W.. We realized it was Ballard, when one of the vehicles emblazoned MARINE on the massive red side in friendly gold letters was trailing the pack.
Apparently an old 70′ wooden boat in a shed. My speculation is, the Boat House had chemicals that caught, and it was a tragedy of epic proportions that could not be avoided.
Strictly speculating, there. We went the other way, and caught some sunset.

Diane May 21, 2017 (10:26 pm)

wow; I was perplexed; thought it was from a neighbor’s grill; good to know I can open my windows again

JanS May 22, 2017 (12:17 am)

50 ft wooden boat in a boat shed with 3 other boats, all owned by the same guy. They said that they were being refurbished…so chemicals? hot torches? a combination? Marc, I think you just about nailed it !

miws May 22, 2017 (5:27 am)

According to the SFD 911 log, West Seattle’s E36 was dispatched in the original callout.

Mike

ImmaMom May 22, 2017 (7:04 am)

Smelled like it was in our backyard! Relief.

Gina May 22, 2017 (7:23 am)

Definite smell of burning insulation in smoke. Did a quick run and scan at home before I saw what direction it was coming from.

Aaron May 22, 2017 (9:46 am)

Engine 36 and Marine 1 are housed at station 36 under the West Seattle bridge. They are one of three main units including Engine 5 (downtown) and Engine 4 (Fireboats) that compromise the Marine Team. They would be dispatched on the first alarm to any Marine response.

miws May 22, 2017 (10:28 am)

Thanks, Aaron. I was unaware (or had forgotten) the there was a Marine unit based out of 36, but it certainly makes sense.

Mike

LORRI Garske May 24, 2017 (11:58 pm)

Just ran across your blog while researching the fire! I was at boathouse across the way, working on a vintage Criss Craft, I met the 3 very nice men who were working on the boats, so kind they carried some of my suplies down the dock. Sad scary event, where I had just stayed 3 days! I had numerous texts monday morning checking on my well being was I ok? Happy no one was hurt, and I didnt start the fire…. Great Blog by the way

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