West Seattle fires 1004 results

UPDATE: Fire callout in 9400 block 24th SW

3:12 AM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” in the 9400 block of 24th SW. It’s described by arriving units as a “fully involved RV fire” in the “front yard” of a house. They’ve also mentioned danger from “exploding projectiles” from the RV.

3:15 AM: Firefighters told dispatch they’ve “knocked down” the RV fire. They were checking the house and garage to be sure it hadn’t spread. No sign that it had, so they’re downsizing the response.

11:26 AM: The photo above shows what’s left of the burned RV (which our photographer says looked more like a trailer than self-contained RV). We’re checking with SFD to see if a cause was determined.

UPDATE: Big initial response but small fire in 5200 block of Delridge Way SW

4:11 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to the 5200 block of Delridge Way SW for a reported residential fire. Updates to come.

(Photo sent by Margaret)

4:14 PM: Turned out to be an “exterior fire, (put) out by occupant,” firefighters just told dispatch, so they’re canceling most of the response.

UPDATE: RV fire in Delridge

2:42 PM: SFD is asking for SPD traffic assistance in connection with what the dispatcher described as an “RV fire” in the 2200 block of SW Holden, which is just west of Delridge. We’re on our way to check it out; avoid the area in the meantime.

3:02 PM: Thanks to Shane for the photo above – our crew has had trouble finding the scene because it’s actually a block south of Holden. Our crew has since arrived and reports no one was hurt; police have asked dispatch to call for a tow truck. Here’s our photo of the aftermath:

3:16 PM: We’ll be checking with SFD regarding the cause; apparently not suspicious, as they did not send their investigator, and the call is completely closed. Here’s video Laurel recorded from a nearby apartment before SFD arrived.

4:36 PM: We asked Laurel if the RV had been in that spot a while; she said no, it wasn’t there even as of 1 pm today.

Fire call in South Delridge

April 12, 2023 12:25 am
|    Comments Off on Fire call in South Delridge
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

As the Alki fire call winds down, a smaller response is happening in South Delridge – described as a small fire at a residence where no one was home. This is happening on Delridge Way just south of Thistle. A neighbor reportedly extinguished it before firefighters arrived, but they’re summoning backup to clear out smoke, and to dispose of a skateboard battery that might have sparked the fire.

UPDATE: Firefighter, others hurt in basement fire at Alki apartment building

(Reader photo from SF)

10;48 PM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is arriving in the 2200 block of Alki Avenue SW [map] for what’s described as a basement fire at an apartment building. One person in the building and one firefighter are reported in need of medical treatment.

10:51 PM: The fire is reported to be under control.

(Reader photo from SF)

10:55 PM: A third person is reported hurt. As a result, more units are being sent as this is now classified as a “multiple casualty incident.”

11:02 PM: Alki Avenue is closed both ways at the fire scene. Firefighters have just told dispatch four people are injured – three civilians “red” (more serious), and the firefighter “yellow” (not major).

(Texted photo)

11:28 PM: SFD says the fire is out and that three people were treated, all in stable condition, including the firefighter, who’s being taken to a hospital. Some units are being dismissed from the scene.

1:48 AM: The cause is under investigation. We’ll update with whatever we find out about it, and the victims, later today.

11:24 AM: Seattle Fire has published this update on its Fireline site:

Last night at 10:34 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke coming from an apartment building at the 2200 block of Alki Ave. SW. Ladder 11 was the first unit on scene and found smoke coming from a basement unit. As firefighters made their way to the fire room, they found the resident, a 27-year-old male, in the hallway. He was able to safely evacuate out of the building where paramedics provided medical care. He was in stable condition, but declined transportation to a hospital.

Crews were able to get water on the fire and search the home within ten minutes of arriving on scene. Smoke traveled throughout the building, leading firefighters to aid a 93-year-old, non-ambulatory lady to evacuate as a safety precaution. Paramedics evaluated her at the scene, determined she was in stable condition and did not require transportation to a hospital.

One firefighter sustained injuries from the fire, but is in stable condition. Paramedics transported them to a hospital for additional medical care.

By 11: 24 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished. Though crews remained on scene to ventilate the building to ensure it was safe for residents to return to their homes. Firefighters also assisted the elderly lady to get back home.

Investigators rule the fire was accidental and caused by food-on-stove that ignited, then extended to the rest of the kitchen. Estimated loss is $50,000.

Safety tip: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes.

UPDATE: Major Seattle Fire response for commercial building on West Marginal (updated with investigation info)

2:38 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a big response to a commercial building in the 6900 block of West Marginal Way SW. Updates to come.

2:41 PM: First unit on scene reports “light smoke.” … Firefighters have told dispatch this is a marijuana-growing business. They are still trying to locate the source of the fire/smoke.

(Added: Reader photo)

2:52 PM: They’re calling for more units and also blocking off southbound West Marginal in the area. … This is on West Marginal south of Highland Park Way.

3:07 PM: Firefighters have declared the fire under control and are dismissing some units. … Our archives include coverage of a fire here seven years ago, with information that it had been an “urban (cannabis) farm” since before then.

3:13 PM: SFD says the fire is “knocked down” and that no injuries are reported.

3:36 PM: The fire’s now declared “tapped” (out). SFD’s investigator was reported to be on scene; we’ll update later with any information on the cause.

ADDED FRIDAY: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says, “Fire investigators ruled the incident as accidental, and likely caused by an overheated lamp or failure within the electrical system. Estimated loss is $40,000.”

On eve of cleanup, 3-vehicle fire at encampment by 1st Avenue South Bridge

As we reported last week, the city plans to start a cleanup tomorrow at the sprawling encampment on the West Seattle side of the 1st Avenue Bridge. This past hour, SFD responded to what’s been described as a 3-vehicle fire there – two cars and one RV. No report of injuries. Police are investigating. How many people remain at the encampment is unclear; state and regional homelessness-response spokespersons told us last week that 30 people have been placed in shelter/housing.

About the smoke column behind Home Depot

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo. The smoke was from a fire, quickly extinguished by SFD Engine 11 minutes ago, in the greenbelt behind Home Depot. Firefighters described what was on fire as a “makeshift structure” and the call is logged as “encampment fire.” No word of any injuries. Most of the greenbelt along Sylvan Way northwest of the store is city-owned land.

UPDATE: Two people hurt, dog killed in West Seattle RV fire

(Added: WSB photos)

4:01 PM: Seattle Fire is on the scene of an RV fire in the 7900 block of 20th SW [vicinity map]. It was initially described as “small” but now firefighters are reporting two people are hurt, and medic units are being summoned for both of them.

4:10 PM: The fire is reported out, SFD’s investigator is on the way, and the two victims are being taken to the hospital.

4:49 PM: Firefighters at the scene tell us the victims are a man and woman, both conscious when transported. A dog that was also in the RV died. The RV is in a driveway.

The fire cause is under investigation but we’re told the fire did not spread beyond the vehicle.

5:44 PM: SFD says both people were in critical condition when transported.

UPDATE: Fire at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene

2:11 PM: Seattle Fire is heading to a report of a possible fire at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd and Juneau).

2:14 PM: First crews on scene report “a little smoke.” Everyone is reported to be out of the church.

2:20 PM: “Heavy smoke and a small amount of fire” is reported by firefighters in the upper story of the church building. … Fire is declared under control.

2:24 PM: They’re now telling dispatch the fire was contained to one room and it’s “tapped” (out). Adding photos from our crew on the scene. … No report, so far, of injuries. The church has undergone major remodeling in recent years, funded by proceeds from selling part of its large original lot for housing development, while retaining open space known as an unofficial park.

2:35 PM: We talked to pastor Shaun Mattson, who confirms there’s an apartment on the top floor but says its residents weren’t home when the fire started; some people were in the church for a post-service get-together when they smelled smoke, called 911, and got out – he confirms no one’s hurt. SFD’s fire investigator is on the way.

5:46 PM: We followed up to see what the investigation found. SFD spokesperson Hilton Almond says, “Our fire investigators have determined the fire to be accidental due to a candle.” Damage estimate – $120,000.

UPDATE: 1 to hospital after RV fire on Harbor Avenue

7:19 AM: SFD crews are responding to what the first on scene are describing as “a single RV fire with a trailer full of pallets” at Harbor Avenue/Harbor Lane. Harbor is closed both ways.

(Added: Reader photo)

7:25 AM: Firefighters have told dispatch the fire is under control. (Added: This Twitter video shows part of the response.) They have also just reported finding one person, described as “badly burned,” about 100 feet away. They’re calling for a medic unit.

(Added: Reader photo)

7:50 AM: The SFD fire investigator is now being sent, and firefighters just told dispatch the fire’s out. As reported here, all RVs on Harbor Avenue were gone by midmorning (corrected) Thursday, the date announced for a city “remediation”; in comments on that story, it was noted that an RV and truck full of pallets had returned yesterday.

8:05 AM: The injured person is being taken to Harborview Medical Center.

8:11 AM: The southbound side of Harbor is reopening.

11:32 AM: SFD spokesperson Hilton Almond says the burn victim, a 41-year-old man, was in serious condition when transported, and that their investigators ruled the fire was accidental.

12:33 PM: We asked on followup for a specific cause. Reply: “A propane heater.”

UPDATE: Basement fire at North Admiral house

1:36 AM: Seattle Fire is headed to a possible house fire in the 2300 block of 41st SW. Dispatch says “resident reports a basement fire” and that “four adults are evacuating.” Updates to come.

1:40 AM: First crews on scene say they’re seeing only “light smoke.” They’re confirming the fire’s in the basement.

1:56 AM: No reports of injuries, nor of the fire spreading beyond the basement, so far.

1:59 AM: They’re dismissing some of the units.

2:11 AM: Fire’s out. We’ll follow up later this morning to see what investigators determine caused it.

2:05 PM: Finally some information from the police-report summary: “Patrol was advised by the Fire Marshal that the fire had started in the basement and appeared to have been intentionally set. The fire was contained, and SPD’s ABS was advised by Fire Marshal. The house has been vacant for some time and is often used by squatters.” If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 23-023360.

FOLLOWUP: Prosecutors charge arson suspect in 2-alarm South Delridge apartment fire

(WSB photo, Tuesday morning)

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged the man accused of setting the two-alarm fire Sunday that damaged at least six apartments including his own in South Delridge. 35-year-old Ermiyas N. Woldearegay is charged with one count of first-degree arson. The charging documents confirm for the first time that he indeed was questioned one day earlier about a smaller fire outside his own unit. From the charging documents:

On 02.11.2023, Seattle Fire personnel responded to 1725 SW Barton St. regarding a fire on a porch of unit 104. When SFD arrived, Woldearegay was standing on the porch, “poking” at the fire with a stick. SFD put the fire out and summoned Seattle Police Department personnel, as well as Seattle Fire Investigators, to the scene. Following the interview with Woldearegay, and after unsuccessfully attempting to locate any witnesses or video of the incident, the fire cause was preliminarily determined to be “undetermined” by Seattle Fire Investigators. A Seattle Police report was written for this case (2023-040055).

On 02.12.223, at approximately 7:42 AM, Seattle Fire requested Seattle Police respond and provide traffic control at a large apartment fire at 1725 SW Barton St. Once officers arrived on scene, it was determined that Woldearegay was in a Seattle Fire Medic unit, suffering from burns related to the fire. As he was being treated, witnesses … contacted officers and stated that they had seen Woldearegay light his porch, unit 104, and their porch, unit 103, on fire. They described Woldearegay as holding a torch, manufactured from what appeared to be a wooden stick with cloth wrapped around the top. The top of the torch was on fire, and, according to (witness), appeared to be covered with some sort of accelerant, allowing the torch to burn. Woldearegay put this open flame torch to the porch of unit 103, the porch of unit 104, and the wall in-between. As this was done, the building quickly became engulfed in flames, necessitating the evacuation of the entire building. The fire grew in size and quickly spread through a large portion of the building, completely destroying a number of units.

The charging documents also say Woldearegay suffered “severe burns to his head, torso, arms, and legs.” No one else was reported injured, though as reported the day of the fire, a cat was found dead (the charging documents do not say anything about the parakeet also mentioned that day). The court papers say 11 of the building’s 14 units were occupied at the time. In discussion following our Sunday report, a commenter claimed the building is managed by supportive-housing provider DESC; we followed up and DESC spokesperson Claire Tuohy-Morgan said the organization does not manage the building but does have some tenants there. She would not comment on how many, nor whether Woldearegay is among them, citing “privacy concerns.” Woldearegay, meantime, has apparently been transferred from the hospital to jail, as he is on the King County Jail register as of just before 9 pm last night, with bail set at $250,000, which is what prosecutors say they requested. He has no felony criminal record.

UPDATE: 2-alarm fire at South Delridge apartment building, arson suspect arrested

7:50 AM: SFD is at a building in the 1700 block of SW Barton and has just called for a second alarm. At least one person is reported injured. There was also a callout to the same address early yesterday, but that one was quickly downsized. Updates to come.

7:55 AM: The fire is reported to be under control, firefighters told dispatch. According to online records, this is a three-story, 14-apartment building.

(WSB photos)

8:06 AM: They’re continuing to search inside the building to be sure no other victims are inside. We’re at the scene now and are adding photos.

8:12 AM: Still smoke on one side of the building.

They’ve just told dispatch the fire is “tapped, all three floors.” SFD’s investigator is reported to be on the way.

8:28 AM: So is an SFD chaplain. We don’t have details about victim(s) yet but a public-information officer has just arrived so more details should be forthcoming. … They are also calling for the Red Cross to help displaced residents.

8:38 AM: SFD says the person who was burned is a 35-year-old man, taken to a hospital in serious condition.

8:55 AM: Police are investigating too. Now that the fire’s out, the most heavily damaged side of the building is visible:

9:16 AM: At the scene, SFD spokesperson Heather Reichmann tells us six units were damaged in this fire. She described the incident yesterday as “minimal” – logs show that most of the initial dispatch was canceled before even arriving – but two incidents in two days is why SPD is investigating.

10:06 AM: Some firefighters are still on scene after about 2 1/2 hours and are reporting a small “hot spot.”

11:56 AM: Via Twitter, SFD also says a cat and parakeet were found dead in one unit.

3:51 PM: SPD has announced an arrest in this fire – the person who was taken to the hospital:

Police spoke with witnesses who reported seeing a man on his porch light an item on fire then walk away. This man was also seen setting fire to items in his apartment before he himself caught on fire.

SFD provided medical aid to the 35-year-old male suspect with non-life-threatening injuries. He was later transported to Harborview Medical Center.

The apartment building sustained extensive damage to several units but no one else reported injuries.

The suspect was arrested for arson and will be booked into King County Jail once medically cleared.

UPDATE: Big response, small fire in The Junction

9:40 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to California/Edmunds. The report is: flames in alley, but “they’re not sure what’s on fire.” It’s on the alley east of California, west of 42nd, and reported to be in a basement, in a building described as “just behind US Bank.” Updates to come.

9:45 PM: They’re reducing the response. Apparently not a large fire. We’re on our way to find out exactly which building.

9:54 PM: Fire declared “tapped” (out). No injuries reported. SFD describes it as an exterior fire.

9:59 PM: The fire was on the back side of the Performing Arts building per the tweeted photo above.

10:04 PM: Our photographer has talked to firefighters who say it was trash burning in a dumpster.

(WSB photo)

No building damage reported. (Added) For more location context, here’s a wider shot texted to us:

That’s the US Bank lot in the left foreground, and in the semi-distance at upper right, the Edmunds/California 7-11.

ADDED 11:12 AM: Regarding cause/damage, SFD tells WSB, “Fire investigators ruled this fire as undetermined. It was a debris fire in a covered patio area next to structure. Total estimated loss is $50,000.”

Short-lived ‘full response’ in South Delridge

November 28, 2022 11:50 am
|    Comments Off on Short-lived ‘full response’ in South Delridge
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

In case you heard the sirens and/or saw the engines/trucks – Seattle Fire is just closing what was briefly a “full response” in the 9200 block of 17th SW. Most of the dispatched units were canceled before ever arriving. We’re checking on what it turned out to have been.

UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ in southwest Admiral = kitchen fire

11:02 AM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a house in the 3200 block of 47th SW [vicinity map]. First crews on scene are reporting “light smoke” visible from outside. Updates to come.

11:07 AM: It’s a kitchen fire, firefighters tell dispatch, so they’re downsizing the response.

(Added: WSB photo)

11:10 AM: Firefighters subsequently told dispatch that the fire did not extend beyond the kitchen and that it’s out.

11:26 AM: Our crew at the scene confirms that the fire’s out and no one was hurt.

From White Center Now: Fire east of Arbor Heights

November 3, 2022 5:41 pm
|    Comments Off on From White Center Now: Fire east of Arbor Heights
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

A few people asked us about a big fire response east of south Arbor Heights this afternoon. We covered it on partner site White Center Now.

That reader-contributed photo shows the fire at its peak. It burned a detached garage at a home near 28th/110th [map] in unincorporated North Highline. No injuries.

UPDATE: Dryer fire brings ‘full response’ to 6400 block 30th SW

5:20 PM: A Seattle Fire midsize response in High Point has just been upgraded to a full response, in the 6400 block of 30th SW [map]. Updates to come.

5:25 PM: The fire was small and is out already, Apparently a dryer was to blame. firefighters are telling dispatch.

5:28 PM: Some of the units are being dismissed. No report of injuries.

5:50 PM: Just talked with firefighters as they were packing up. They confirmed the dryer was the problem, and that no one was hurt.

UPDATE: Arrest after shortlived SFD ‘full response’ in High Point

October 23, 2022 7:11 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Arrest after shortlived SFD ‘full response’ in High Point
 |   High Point | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

7:11 AM: Most units sent on a “full response” to 30th SW near Raymond have been dismissed, We’re on our way over to see if we can find out what the original call was about.

7:22 AM: We’re told by police and fire at the scene that this involves a man who was threatening to set a fire in a domestic-violence situation. The suspect has been arrested. Both SPD and SFD continue to investigate.

11 AM: SFD says one person suffered minor injuries, a woman in her late 40s who was treated at the scene.

In case you wondered too: About the very brief West Seattle ‘full response’ early this morning

A reader looking at the Seattle Fire 911 Real-Time log entries from early this morning asked us about a callout to an address that cross-checked to West Seattle Bowl. We looked at the incident-specific page and it indicated that some units were dismissed before arriving and all the rest were dismissed within eight minutes of arrival, so it appeared to be a false alarm, but we asked SFD to be sure. Spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB, “The 911 caller saw tiki torches across the way and mistook it for a fire.” (West Seattle Bowl is co-housed with the “tiki bar” Three 9 Lounge.)

About this afternoon’s SFD callout on Alki

October 13, 2022 3:30 pm
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 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

A short-lived “full response” in the 2300 block of Alki Avenue SW earlier this afternoon closed even before it caught our attention. But we’ve received a few questions about the 1:35 pm callout, so in case yu were wondering too: SFD tells us, “This was a small fire in a single unit that the first arriving crew was able to quickly extinguish prior to the arrival of the full response.”

UPDATE: Garage/vehicle fire in Sunrise Heights

3:01 AM: Five SFD units are arriving at a reported garage fire at 34th/Holden- practically next door to Station 37. Firefighters tell dispatch it’s a vehicle on fire in the alley, adjacent to a garage and in danger of spreading.

3:12 AM: Firefighters report the fire is burning in “the void” between the ceiling and roof of the garage.

3:19 AM: Firefighters have declared the fire “tapped” (out). They’re summoning SFD’s investigator to figure out the cause. No injuries reported.

3:26 AM: Thanks to the reader who texted a photo, added above. They also note that this was on the alley off Holden between 32nd and 34th.

ADDED 2:20 PM: SFD would only tell us that the fire remains “under investigation.” We learn from SPD’s overnight summaries that the fire is considered suspicious – they were called after 4 am to check it out because the “Fire Marshal considered it suspicious as there was a (gunfire) call fewer than 10 blocks away. The resident heard the shots and then voices nearby. They then noticed the vehicle on fire.” (The gunfire was at 24th/Holden, and we’re writing about that separately.)