Update: Fire in West Seattle fourplex blamed on candle

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Video substituted 6:10 am for original photo)
5:03 AM UPDATE: Fire crews are at a multiplex building in the 5000 block of 38th SW (map). They report the fire is tapped. Neighbors who e-mailed us report lots of smoke. We are on our way to find out more.

(Photo added 5:44 am)
5:19 AM UPDATE: On scene. Still very smoky. No injuries; a medic unit has just been cleared from the scene, as have some of the engines originally dispatched. Investigators also tell us it’s a fourplex, and the fire was in one of the rear units. They say one man was home in that unit when the fire started, and got out safely. They’re working to figure out the cause.

10:11 AM UPDATE: Just checked back with SFD. Spokesperson Kyle Moore says investigators are calling the fire accidental – caused by an “unattended candle.” Damage totaled $75,000, and the Red Cross is helping residents who aren’t able to go back into their apartments right now because of the fire and its aftermath.

Muffaluffagus June 7, 2011 (6:47 am)

I live next door, and am so thankful everyone got out safely. Also thankful for a great neighborhood where everyone watches out for one another. One thing that really concerns me is I did not hear any smoke or fire detectors. Let this be a reminder to make sure they are working in your house.

Mike June 7, 2011 (6:51 am)

We heard lots of yelling and chain saws at about 4:45 this morning following all the sirens. Then many low bass sounds, probably water hitting the ground/fire.

We were wondering where it was at because it was quite loud and seemed close.

S June 7, 2011 (9:03 am)

Was sound asleep when was woke up by fire trucks coming from every direction. Checked the Real Time Fire page and saw where they were all going. So glad all the residents were able to get out safely. Been in an apartment building fire a couple of times…scary. Thoughts going to those displace by the fire.

Mary T June 7, 2011 (9:18 am)

So glad no one was hurt. It sounded pretty scary, especially the part where it sounded like they were cutting through the roof (or maybe the doorframe). Thanks WS Blog for the update!

foy boy June 7, 2011 (3:39 pm)

Glad everyone was alright. To bad someones carelessness almost got other people killed. Please people blow out the candles before you go to sleep.

amp June 7, 2011 (4:59 pm)

I live in this building. The tenant that started the fire is a severely disturbed person because of whom we have had to call 911 many times over the last few months. He lit a candle and then left his apartment and sat in his car. He watched apathetically as the rest of us escaped our homes. A few more minutes in the building, we may not have made it out alive or uninjured. We have lived in fear of just this very thing happening for months now, it’s been a nightmare.

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