VIDEO: 2-alarm apartment fire north of Morgan Junction, no one hurt

(UPDATED 11:11 AM with new info from SFD, and aftermath photo)

(Added 2:50 am: Video courtesy Monika)

FIRST REPORT, 1:04 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to California/Juneau for a report of a possible apartment fire. More as we get it.

(Added: WSB photo)

1:07 AM: The first units on scene report a “working fire” that appears to be on the exterior of the three-story apartment building.

1:13 AM: The log has updated this to 5656 California SW [map], which is the Green Acres complex, the only three-story building at that intersection. Firefighters have water on the fire. A second alarm has been called. Most if not all of California is blocked, too.

1:25 AM: Our crew has arrived and confirms California is blocked. The damage is visible on the southeast side of the building, as you can see in the first photo we’ve added. No word of any injuries so far. Firefighters are still working to check whether the fire spread into the building anywhere.

1:43 AM: Fire’s not out yet but SFD says it’s under control and confirms no injuries are reported. Firefighters have been working on ventilation to deal with the fire reportedly having spread into the attic.

SFD’s public-information officer has arrived. The Red Cross is being called to help the residents.

2 AM: PIO Kristin Tinsley just briefed us and citywide media. (Video of briefing added 2:50 am)

No word on the fire’s cause yet but it’s believed to have started on the first floor and spread up. At least six units are damaged. Fire’s now reported to be out, but SFD is expected to keep a presence at the scene for some time on “fire watch.” Side note: You might recall a big SFD response to the same building almost six months ago – that one turned out to be just a kitchen fire.

2:32 AM: The fire forced pet evacuations as well as people, above, that’s Kona the bulldog, with Kona’s people, whose apartment is one of those damaged. More info later when there are official updates on cause and damage.

11:11 AM: SFD says the cause is “undetermined” and damage totals more than $500,000. We just went back over for this photo:

We should also note that, as SFD mentions, West Seattle Church of the Nazarene across the street (42nd/Juneau) opened its doors early this morning so the evacuated residents had someplace to go.

12:58 PM: More news of helping – C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is in the same block as the building and says it’s donating tips and has a fundraiser going for the fire victims:

45 Replies to "VIDEO: 2-alarm apartment fire north of Morgan Junction, no one hurt"

  • Aida September 29, 2017 (1:09 am)

    Sirens are going off non-stop. Hope everyone is ok :(

  • BB September 29, 2017 (1:10 am)

    Woken up a block and a half away by smoke in the air. I can hear people yelling outside to try and get people out of the building. Fire response arriving.

  • Charlotte September 29, 2017 (1:22 am)

    Pleaser pray for everyone who are in the building will be safe. 

  • Shanail Snopov September 29, 2017 (1:23 am)

    I’ve counted 6 fire trucks going by my house. This is scray, I hope everyone is ok! Number 7 on it’s way….

  • TAG September 29, 2017 (1:25 am)

    I just moved from California & Juneau last week… I’m all the way at Alaska & Fauntleroy now and I can hear all the sirens and smell the smoke. 

  • JanS September 29, 2017 (1:26 am)

    the sirens, even here in Admiral, near Admiral Way, seemed to go on forever. I hope that it’s tapped quickly. Scary, scary for the tenants :(

  • Brontosaurus September 29, 2017 (1:26 am)

    On 41st/ Juneau, I was woken up about 1am by lots of people shouting. I hope everyone will be OK. Thanks for letting us know what’s going on WSB.

  • Mwsb September 29, 2017 (1:35 am)

    Hope everyone is okay. I hear all kinds of fire trucks :( I live just in the junction and can hear fire truck after fire truck … so sad. 

  • JanS September 29, 2017 (1:42 am)

    the units are listed on the 911 log. The latest one to show up is simply designated “89”. Does anyone know what that is? TR?

  • Jordan September 29, 2017 (1:45 am)

    I live way too close for comfort.  I’m relying on this blog (and looking out my window) for updates.  They don’t need me standing there…SO scary!

  • JanS September 29, 2017 (1:49 am)

    thanks, TR

  • Venus Pacheco September 29, 2017 (2:14 am)

    I live in the apt complex that was in fire , we are all ok very scary they think it may have started in the bushes from a cigarette we don’t know 5 aptartments and laundry room are burnt pretty bad …. there are about 12 fire trucks here ….. thank u for all ur concerns 

    • WSB September 29, 2017 (2:21 am)

      Glad you and everyone else are OK!

    • Allison September 29, 2017 (4:02 am)

      I’m SO glad to hear you guys are okay! I’m just down the street at the Strata, so if I can offer anything to you or anyone in your building, please feel free to reach out! You can email me at allisonfaithhill@gmail.com 

  • JanS September 29, 2017 (2:42 am)

    if that is the cause, how very sad, as the rains are coming in a few hours that hopefully will start to counteract all the dryness. 

  • DP September 29, 2017 (3:28 am)

    I live next door to thi apartment building and am happy to say that everyone got out safely, including Kona! Frankly, I don’t believe this way started by a cigarette butt and the truth will come out.

    My heart goes out to all the tenants who are displaced. I’m very grateful for all the firefighters as they worked endlessly to contain this fire and protect  the tenants and neighbors.  

    Also, thank you to the church across the street for opening their doors to those tenants and giving them a warm place to wait along with coffee, etc.

    we have a special community!

    • Question Mark September 29, 2017 (10:12 am)

      @DP, I don’t know why you are sure at this point that a carelessly discarded cigarette butt could not have started this fire. Perhaps the size of the fire and how quickly it spread concerns you. (And if it were intentionally set, for example, I too hope that would be found out.) But you should be aware that larger fires have certainly been determined to be caused by discarded smoking materials. The late time of day certainly would have allowed such a fire to grow much larger before it was noticed than if it had happened when more people are up and around …

  • RayWest September 29, 2017 (5:00 am)

    This is right behind my  house. The fire was so intense it was spewing lit embers through the air that blew into my yard and landed on the carport roof. Fortunately they did no harm.  The residents were amazing from the ones who alerted others by shouting and banging on residents’ doors to get them out, to everyone calmly standing outside watching as their homes were threatened.  Once the fire fighters arrived, they immediately got it under control. It did seem to take a long time before an alarm went off and was somewhat after the residents where shouting and banging on doors. Maybe this is a procedure that should be reviewed. I’m glad no one was hurt, but so sorry for those who lost their belongings.

  • uncle loco September 29, 2017 (5:40 am)

    Glad to hear nobody was hurt. That stairwell was fully engulfed. Scary.

  • HelperMonkey September 29, 2017 (7:18 am)

    Please keep us posted if there is anything the displaced residents need. How absolutely terrifying. 

  • Happy spider September 29, 2017 (7:25 am)

    So glad no one was hurt! Reading all these comments, I can see this is truly a close community that everyone work together to care for one another. So proud to be part of this neighborhood!

  • ScubaFrog September 29, 2017 (7:25 am)

    OMG  I’m so glad no one was hurt.  

    I’m so sorry to the residents, geesh.  

  • Robin September 29, 2017 (8:13 am)

    Grateful for our strong brave and kind firefighters.  Thank You.

  • Cameron Moores September 29, 2017 (9:16 am)

    We are so upset by this event that has effected our friends and customers. We want to offer any assistance that we can … if you or someone you know in the building has a need, please let us know!

    Cameron C & P Coffee: candpco@comcast.net

    • Nancy@WestSideBaby September 29, 2017 (5:06 pm)

      Cameron!  Do let me know by email if they need any children’s items and WestSide Baby will set them up.  My thanks to you, as always for stepping in to help!  Nancy

  • West Seattle since 1979 September 29, 2017 (10:13 am)

    So scary! I’m glad no one was hurt, but what an awful thing to go through.

  • Andrew September 29, 2017 (11:07 am)

    We have a guest room if needed.  Just up the hill. mandrewmead@gmail.com

  • JanS September 29, 2017 (12:49 pm)

    Andrew Mead, you are a stellar person

    • WSB September 29, 2017 (12:58 pm)

      Thanks to everyone who’s helping. We’ve just heard of one more, and I’m adding it to the story – C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) is in the same block as the building and says it’s donating tips and doing a fundraiser for the apartment-fire victims. 5612 California SW – drop by.

  • Ricki Brown September 29, 2017 (1:29 pm)

    I have a bunch of women’s clothes I was going to donate to Mary’s Place,  some shoes, suits, shirts, jeans (some Levis size 12 and smaller sizes also). Shirts, sweaters and could probably find a jacket or two.  Would love to donate or make avail for our West Seattle neighbors. Glad everyone is safe. 

  • Katy Bedell September 29, 2017 (2:05 pm)

    If anyone knows Kona the bulldog and his family – the local Seattle Bulldog Group would like to help them out of they need anything! They can contact me!

  • goinbacktocali September 29, 2017 (2:59 pm)

    I have been the victim of an apartment fire. I lost very little in belongings but did suffer burns that required rehab. The fact this fire appears to be limited to property loss in this incident as opposed to loss of life and limb is awesome. Your recovery is something  I would love to help with!  I will contact the above commentors with what I can offer, even if just a few modest things. A list of particular needs from the affected would be appreciated so I can also ask around for those items (I also work for a great nonprofit full of helpful souls). Even though I live across town, I do business a block away from this apartment at least twice a week.  Very sorry this happened to you all.

  • Alki Resident September 29, 2017 (5:17 pm)

    To the fire victims 

    It would be very helpful if you could make a list of needs so our community can provide for you. Clothes, bathroom supplies and gift cards ( anything just st say so). I haven’t stopped thinking of you all since the fire. I’m so sorry.

  • Joni September 29, 2017 (6:34 pm)

    As I read the comments and watched the video I had to choke back tears.  I suspect I’d have never awaken if a persistent someone had not banged and banged at my door.  I was upset because this is the second time someone knocked on my door and I heard “Fire!” shouted many times.  The first time was over 30 years ago.  It was also during the wee hours of the morning and I hopped out of bed frantic to save some of my valuables, including my toddler.  I took us both across the street from the building and was surprised to see we’d been the only ones to leave.  Turns out some kids started a fire in a vacant unit so they could loot whoever left their homes.  It took several days for me to realize a $50 gift certificate I’d gotten for Christmas was gone but it took me until recently to realize it had been taken during the “fire.” 

    Because of that experience I was leery and suspicious and did not immediately leave my home.  I called 911 to see if it was legitimate and was asked, “Is your building at California and Juneau?  Yes, it’s on fire.”   I was still wondering what to do when the smoke detector went off and a few seconds later, I saw smoke and told the operator I was leaving.

    I dressed and didn’t go far.  I sat in the breezeway where I could breath (I nearly choked to death getting dressed.  Oh, my!  When I see how engulfed in fire was the front of my apartment, I am feeling very blessed.  I talked today (Friday) to someone name Donald Meyer (I hope I spelled your name right, Donald) who said he lived nearby and smelled the smoke and saw the flames and came to knock on our doors and warn us the place was on fire.  I yelled something very un-nice when I thought vandals were committing a hoax and I hope you weren’t the one who heard it. 

    To whomever knocked and knocked on my door, thank you.  I need the door knocked-on hard like you did as if jack-booted thugs were out to get me.  Only you could have captured my attention as well as you did.   Otherwise, I might have slept and never awakened.  Whoever you are, you are a life-saver!

    This past Monday someone asked me how I like living in West Seattle.   I said I love it, the people in all of West Seattle are so kind, conscientious and so friendly (including Green Acres Apartment managers).  I’m believe I’m appreciating life, at this moment, as I have not in such a long time. 

    The firefighters were amazing!  They are real-life super heroes.  They were very thoughtful and very understanding of my need to watch my apartment as I hung out in the breezeway watching everything from the back of the building.  Good thing because if I’d seen the view from the front I’d have been in hysterics.  I think I’ll play that video, again, so I can re-experience the shock and horror of seeing my balcony engulfed in flames.  I’m so grateful no one in the building was harmed.  They don’t know it but I sort of think of everyone in the building as a kind of extended family I take for granted.  I have often thought I was grateful the building has such wonderful people as tenants.  

    West Seattle Blog, you did it again.  Always on top of WS news!  Monika, thank you for your video!  If not for that I would never have known or appreciated how close I came to becoming burnt toast.

    To Kona’s people:  Kona’s lucky to have you and you have been super nice to let me talk to you about her and to pet her.  Such lovely young people you are; so many lovely young people in our building. 

    From a grateful old woman, much love and much appreciation, y’all. 

    To whoever banged on my door like the rent was due and the managers were chasing you, please come up and let me thank you in person and apologize for saying that mean thing the next time you see me going to or coming from my car.

    • WSB September 29, 2017 (8:01 pm)

      Thank you for sharing your story!

  • John Kiewik September 29, 2017 (9:46 pm)

    I just want everyone on here to know that as a veteran of 37 years in the fire service this was textbook stop on a fire with tremendous destructive potential. SFD deserves full credit for their efforts. 

  • RayWest September 30, 2017 (4:46 am)

    Perhaps the apartment owners should consider removing the wide swath of juniper bushes that surround the building on the side and front. It may have provided a huge fuel source for the fire.

    • Brad September 30, 2017 (7:42 pm)

      I tend to agree with you RayWest, however one believes the true cause of this fire was ignorant behavior. The fire occurred near bar-closing time, a time when people traditionally throw caution to the wind, and perhaps cigarette butts into bushes.

      • RayWest October 1, 2017 (9:05 am)

        I don’t think it matters whether or not the fire was deliberate, accidental, or an act of nature. The juniper bushes create a fire hazard in the way they extend from the sidewalk and butt up against the lower apartments. It seems like this could easily happen again. It would be prudent to completely remove the bushes.

        • Brad October 3, 2017 (12:11 pm)

          Again, I agree with you on your point that having bushes so close to a wooden structure creates a fire hazard. I don’t know how else to express my agreement. I also maintain that the cause of the fire carries great significance, especially for someone who lives in this building, as I do (my apartment was spared).

          There was a time when juniper was a popular and easy landscaping solution. Times have changed however and everyone’s opinion matters. If you wish to engage in actual, constructive behavior, such as paying for the removal of the bushes, installation of a rock garden, and concurrent maintenance of the garden, I would be glad to pass your info along to our manager, who has been amazing during this process.

  • JanS September 30, 2017 (11:38 am)

    Sitting here thinking about why I love this community so much, despite our opinions that sometimes disagree. For the most part we are compassionate, we step up to help our neighbors in times like this.  I can’t imagine going through something like this, although it IS a fear of mine, especially being disabled with limited mobility right now. I especially appreciate the caring of this community in comparison to what I read on a national level this morning. Thank you all for helping these fire victims out. I wish I could contribute more.

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