Update: West Seattle house fire blamed on faulty wiring

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(photo substituted 7:32 am, this one’s by Christopher Boffoli)
We’re on our way to the “fire in single-family residence” call in the 4400 block of 45th SW (map). 7:05 AM: Per the scanner, the fire’s been “knocked down,” and firefighters are checking to make sure it didn’t spread. 7:10 AM: Firefighters have confirmed the fire’s tapped. Some of the units are pulling out. No report of injuries. 7:38 AM: Fire investigators haven’t arrived yet so we don’t have specifics on what burned or how it started, but the incident commander confirmed that no one was hurt and that damage was light enough that the home’s residents should be allowed back in later today. 8:11 AM: We’ll update here when that info comes in later. Meantime, here’s a bit of video from the scene.

10:14 AM UPDATE: According to Dana Vander Houwen from SFD, the fire was accidental, caused by faulty wiring in the attic. Damage is estimated at $40,000.

LAinthe Junction November 6, 2009 (7:06 am)

This is the biggest call out I’ve ever seen, there’s at least 10 fire trucks, and now there’s a helicopter overhead. It’s a block from our house. I hope everyone’s ok.

WSB November 6, 2009 (7:08 am)

It sounds like a small fire (the callout is ALWAYS big when it’s a house/building, just in case, that’s the rule). I’m sure the chopper is TV – they would all be staffed this morning anyway because of the police memorial procession. Patrick should be there in a couple minutes to get a firsthand look, but the scanner indicates they made quick work of it – no discussion of injuries so far – TR

Genessee neighbor November 6, 2009 (7:21 am)

This is at the end of my block and there certainly are a lot of flashing lights, police and fire trucks for a house fire! Hope everyone’s ok. How did I not hear all those sirens?

WSB November 6, 2009 (7:22 am)

They got it out fast and no injuries reported. Patrick’s there and awaiting the incident commander’s word on what they discover – TR

Rats in a cage November 6, 2009 (7:53 am)

When I was heading east on the bridge this morning about 7, I saw 3 fire trucks and 4 or 5 Fire Department SUV’s heading into West Seattle. I knew something must be going on if help was coming from outside of W Seattle. Hope people are ok.

WSB November 6, 2009 (8:04 am)

Part of the routine dispatch for house/building fire does come from SODO – that’s why as we reported in our Highland Park meeting story last week, regarding the firefighters’ visit (and as originally reported by Seattle Weekly), a ladder truck will be added to Station 11 in Highland Park, because once the road work gets REALLY serious on the Spokane Street Viaduct, the truck from that side of the bridge won’t be able to get here fast enough.

GenHillOne November 6, 2009 (8:19 am)

45th was blocked off/closed around 7:45 and reopened when I came through just now. Still one engine and an SUV there with what looks like residents standing outside wrapped in blankets. Glad no one was hurt and that the downpour has let up…would make it that much more miserable for them I’m sure!