Update: Fire at unoccupied house in Seaview ruled accidental

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
8:29 PM: Seattle Fire units are rushing to a “fire in building” call in the 4800 block of SW Juneau (map). More shortly.

8:36 PM UPDATE: Per the scanner, it’s described as a wall fire and said to be under control. (2 minutes later) It’s now “tapped,” and SFD is calling off the units that hadn’t arrived yet. They’re keeping four units at the scene – two engines, a ladder truck, and battalion chief. No reports of any injuries.

8:42 PM UPDATE: Added a photo. Meantime, the fire marshal is en route to look into the cause.

9:02 PM UPDATE: Our crews at the scene have talked to the neighbor who called the fire in after seeing smoke and some flames. He confirms to WSB this house was unoccupied – it’s undergoing remodeling. So definitely no injuries; cause remains under investigation.

ADDED 9:04 AM MONDAY: Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore tells WSB their investigator “determined the fire was accidental, caused by electrical wiring in the wall which overheated and ignited the kitchen. Estimated loss is $40,000.”

10 Replies to "Update: Fire at unoccupied house in Seaview ruled accidental"

  • Ixobbp November 28, 2012 (8:35 pm)

    Wow. Five short trucks, one ladder truck, two ambulances and a fire marshall turning down Erskine. Hope and pray everyone is OK.

    • WSB November 28, 2012 (8:37 pm)

      As always, big response just in case, then they can cancel if it’s not a big fire. And right now they’re calling it tapped and calling off some of the units that were heading that way. – TR

  • Paul November 28, 2012 (8:37 pm)

    It’s a long time since I’ve heard so many sirens…

  • Paul November 28, 2012 (8:42 pm)

    It’s a long time since I’ve heard so many sirens!

  • Steve November 28, 2012 (8:59 pm)

    I’m a neighbor. It’s a vacant house undergoing renovations. No injuries…

    • WSB November 28, 2012 (9:05 pm)

      Thanks, Steve. Just got that word from our crews there (maybe you’re the neighbor with whom they spoke). Appreciate the update.

  • Steve November 28, 2012 (10:06 pm)

    Naw, they talked to another neighbor. :) BTW – I had just come home to all the flashing lights when I got a call from a friend in Bellingham that read about it here in the WSB! :)

  • snowball November 28, 2012 (10:45 pm)

    I live about half a block from where they had the hoses plugged in to the fire hydrants and now my water is kind of brownish and cloudy – wonder if there is any connection? Anyone else in the area experiencing this?

  • Evergreen November 28, 2012 (11:42 pm)

    How can a fire start in an empty house? Scary.

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