Delridge fire this morning

| Delridge | West Seattle fires | WS breaking news

Lots of notes about the fire this morning at Longfellow Creek Apartments (5915 Delridge, same area as one of the recent shootings). 11:30 AM UPDATE: This photo just in from WSB reader Joel (thank you!); more info beneath it. 2:56 PM UPDATE: Some video here.

ORIGINAL 10:26 AM POST: Here’s WSB reader Sage K’s eyewitness account from the inbox (thank you to everyone who wrote!):

A fire started around 4 am in the Longfellow Creek Apartments @ 5915 Delridge Way SW. The fire was contained to D building where it started and no one was seriously hurt. Apparently the fire started when someone on the ground level was smoking in bed and set an oxygen tank on fire. The fire-starter got some minor burns to their feet from trying to stomp the fire out and was taken to the hospital for treatment. But no one else had injuries. The fire spread up the back side of the building through the balconies and to the roof. The roof was vented over the fire and damage was mostly contained to those 2 apartments right above the flash point. Several people will be displaced; the Red Cross was on hand to help them with accommodations. A Metro bus was brought in for the displaced people to wait in out of the cold until everything was sorted out and they were able to be escorted in to gather some belongings. I saw around 8 fire trucks, 2 command vehicles and a command post along with a few aid cars. By about 8am most of the scene was cleared and vehicle access was returned to Delridge. I live in (a different) building of that complex as was lucky enough to be as far as possible from the fire. People here were really good about helping out their neighbors in their time of need.

Mike Dady August 12, 2007 (11:33 am)

Thanks to the writer of the first-hand account of what transpired. The continuous stream of Seattle Fire vehicles transiting Delridge Way in the early am hour had our household wondering what happened and whether anyone was severely injured. Glad to know that the residents, SFD, Red Cross and Metro handled things for the displaced:)

The House August 12, 2007 (3:42 pm)

It never ceases to amaze me that some people on oxygen continue to smoke. It’s generally smoking that makes them need the oxygen in the first place. I believe it’s simply natural selection working it’s magic.

Jan August 12, 2007 (4:45 pm)

House…I have to agree. I can remember when I was in a “convalescent center” (bad memories) 11 years ago, and seeing people in wheel chairs with an oxygen tank smoking outside…I was amazed that it was allowed. I suppose the theory was, if you’re gonna catch fire, do it out there, not in here.

Allie August 12, 2007 (6:45 pm)

Sometimes, House, depsite the annonimty that the WSB provides you, there are probably just some comments that you should keep to yourself. There’s just no reason to knock folks who are down. At least there were no serious injuries – I know I was worried when the alarms woke my household up this morning.

Katherine August 12, 2007 (7:32 pm)

Nicotine is an addiction. They say it’s stronger than alcohol. Some people who know it’s bad for them, and that it can kill them, try and try to stop. And fail.

Sage K August 12, 2007 (9:31 pm)

While I know that nicotine is a serious addiction. I feel that people who are oxygen should not smoke or have any open flames near them. But if you just can’t help yourself DO IT OUTSIDE, where you are less likely to hurt others. Also nobody should be smoking n bed, it’s just too easy to either fall asleep or set your mattress on fire. Especially when you live in an apartment, your not just risking yourself but your neighbors!

Ali August 12, 2007 (10:24 pm)

I wasn’t worried when I heard the sirens this morning – I was pissed! It just makes me want to leave this neighborhood even more. There are always sirens blaring up and down Delridge. Thank goodness it wasn’t for yet another shooting or we’d be packing up today. It’s ridiculous.

The House August 13, 2007 (6:53 am)

Allie, I don’t have a need to hide behind the cloak of WSB or the Internet to express my opinions and although you may disagree with my comments, this is something that was brought on by sheer ignorance. The fact of the matter is that this individual CHOSE to act in a way that was dangerous to them and all around them. I have pity for the people that were displaced because of the fire, were woke up in the middle of the night b/c of the fire and the service people that had to risk their life to fight the fire not the individual that caused it.

eric August 13, 2007 (1:44 pm)

I suppose if I were a smoker on oxygen, I would just keep smoking. The damage is done, might as well enjoy what is left of your life and smoke ’em if you got ’em.

One should probably turn off the oxygen before playing with fire, though.

House just states the obvious. If you’re uncomfortable with that, well, I guess that’s just the way it is. Doesn’t change the fact that he mostly speaks the truth!

Aidan Hadley August 13, 2007 (8:28 pm)

Allie, I agree with The House. I agree that his comments were strong but it is not necessarily about trying to knock someone when they’re down. Reading about this incident I think it is a reasonable reaction to be angry; angry that someone would continue to do harm to themselves even when the consequences of their choices were undeniable and angry at their carelessness that would put so many other neighbors at harm.

MargL August 13, 2007 (10:21 pm)

Yes, she fell asleep while smoking

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/327426_fire14.html

The fire spokeperson’s quote “That’s not a good combination,” was a bit of an understatement.

Joey S August 14, 2007 (12:38 pm)

ok. It looks like we got off the subject of the fire and started talking about nicotine addiction. I agree with everything House had to say. Aidan mentioned that the comments made by House were strong, no they weren’t. Using a line that I believe everyone will know: “Just the facts ma’am.” Back to the point of the story: I am glad that no one was hurt.