(scroll down for newest info – adding fire cause at 2:47 pm)
(top photo courtesy Aimee, added 8:07 am; photo below, our original cameraphone pic from 7:01 am)
ORIGINAL 6:49 AM REPORT: Checking on house fire call in 5600 block of 25th SW (map). In e-mail, Aimee says the house was at one point “fully engulfed in flames.” According to the scanner, “one occupant of the house has received some injuries” and is getting help from the Medic 32 crew at the scene. 7:01 AM: Fire reported “knocked down … with hot spots and heavy debris.” Our crew has just arrived – added cameraphone photo above. From the front, house appears pretty much gutted. 7:17 AM: On scene, SFD tells us that five people got out safely (we’d heard on the scanner that was “one male, four females”). The fire is not believed to be “suspicious” but the cause is still under investigation. Still checking on the status of the person who’s being treated in Medic 32 at scene. (update) We’re told that the “one male” they were trying to check for smoke inhalation, refused treatment. 7:55 AM: In the media briefing at the scene, deputy chief Jessie Youngs said two of the people were in the basement and a neighbor was slightly hurt getting them out. Here’s our video of his 2-minute briefing:
And here’s a clip of firefighters inside the house once the fire was out (except for hot spots):
10:03 AM: Just checked with SFD; investigators are still working to figure out how this fire started. 2:48 PM UPDATE: Seattle Fire has just announced the fire’s cause – accidental, started by “unattended candles.” Damage estimate: $200,000. More info on SFD’s Fire Line site – including candle-safety information.
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