UPDATE: ‘Discarded smoking materials’ blamed for fire at Pigeon Point house; SFD says two pets did not survive

| Pigeon Point | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:12 AM: Thanks to the neighbor who texted us about the Seattle Fire response at a house on Pigeon Point in the 4000 block of 23rd SW (map). They report firefighters put out a “visible porch fire.” No report of injuries.

6:20 AM: Adding photos texted by the same neighbor (thank you!). SFD’s fire investigator has been sent to the scene. One person was home, according to SFD, and got out OK.

(WSB photo)
8:55 AM: SFD was just leaving when we went over for a look about an hour ago; they’ve now announced the fire’s cause, damage estimate, and that two pets did not survive:

Fire Investigators determined a basement fire in a 2-story home was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials under the porch of the house. The damage estimate is $50,000 to the building and $20,000 to the contents.

The 911 call came in at 5:46 a.m. reporting smoke coming from the back of a home located in the 4000 block of 23rd Avenue SW. When firefighter arrived they found the lone occupant of the house outside. The crews searched the house and did not find anyone else inside. It took fire crews 20 minutes to control the flames and 40 minutes to completely extinguish the fire.

There were no injuries. The occupant evacuated with one of his 2 dogs. His other dog and a cat did not survive the fire.

NativetoSeattle May 13, 2015 (10:22 am)

Thank you to the alert neighbor who called 911 and for the prompt response of SFD. Thank goodness no one was hurt and the fire was contained promptly.

alki resident May 13, 2015 (10:44 am)

Those poor animals died because of a negligent human. RIP

Teri Ensley May 13, 2015 (11:05 am)

My house fire of 2012 started because I accidentally bumped on a counter top appliance.

One of my cats died of smoke inhalation and I still feel guilty to this day…even though it was an accident. The only saving grace is that the firefighters and my cat’s Vet said that smoke inhalation is a very peaceful, painless way to die. You fall asleep and just don’t wake up.

No doubt this person is feeling a terrible grief and guilt over the loss of his/her one dog and cat. I have only compassion and empathy.

BakerGirl May 13, 2015 (11:42 am)

I’m acquainted with the house occupant of the house and know that he was not the one to improperly discard the smoking materials. He was asleep when the dog he managed to get out with woke him up alerting him to the fire. Both he and the dog only barely made it out. Sadly, the other two pets lost their lives and the house was considerably damaged because of some other person’s carelessness and disregard for other people.

WhatTeriSaid May 13, 2015 (11:43 am)

Thank you for your comment, Teri. I’m sorry you lost your cat and appreciate your compassion for those affected by the fire.

J.Stevenson May 13, 2015 (1:02 pm)

This is a tragedy . I am sorry to the owner of the house and the animal’s inside. The loss is heartbreaking. What is more heartbreaking and cruel are people that are placing blame to the innocent owner of this home. They sound a bit angry, ignorant with no compassion for human suffering.

Lucky , the owner made it out with one dog. Heartbreaking the other two animals didn’t survive. Tragic.

lox May 13, 2015 (1:10 pm)

I live on the same street and have met the people who live at that house before. Very sweet people! I’m sorry for their loss.

mike May 13, 2015 (1:37 pm)

I’m sorry for your loss, especially the living creatures.

Darlene May 13, 2015 (5:13 pm)

Tears in our hearts for your loss son. On our way to Seattle. All so sad. Praying.

hc May 13, 2015 (9:54 pm)

Animals are your family. I’m sorry for your lose.
Upset with a comment a people has made.

They give me the impression they prefer the life of a human to be lost.

A dog and a cat are human to me they are family.

Find out facts before you make a comments. Unless you were there back off.

I’m truly sorry so your loss.

Darlene May 29, 2015 (10:00 pm)

FYI > Our youngest son was in the basement during this fire with his English Bull Dog. Our son was a sleep, his dog started barking and woke him up. Because the door in the basement was blocked by boxes of belongings our son had to carry his dog through fire and intense smoke. Our son has burns to his arms and lung damage and was in Swedish Hospital. Our son lost all his belongings in the fire. It has been 17 days and he has had no help from our other son’s insurance. Our older son that owns the house and his wife were not at home that night. Our youngest son is staying at friends homes or staying in his truck with his dog and trying to go back to work when he feels up to it.

Sorry, comment time is over.