UPDATE: Man dies after house fire on 39th SW

(Added: Photo courtesy Ian Reid)

8:06 AM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” just arriving in the 4000 block of 39th SW [map] for a possible house fire.

(Photo by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)

8:12 AM: Per scanner, at least one injured person has been found. They’re calling for more units.

(This and next photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

8:19 AM: This is affecting traffic nearby – SFD is asking for SPD help at 40th/Andover.

8:26 AM: The man brought out of the house is described as around 50 years old and seriously injured, with burns. He will be taken to Harborview. The house is extensively damaged; our crew is there now and we are adding photos.

(This photo and next by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)

8:42 AM: We’re waiting for an official update from SFD’s public-information officer, who’s at the scene. The fire itself appears to be largely out.

8:58 AM: Capt. Shata Stephenson tells us the man, who is believed to be 55 to 60 years old, was in critical condition as he was being taken to Harborview; life-saving measures started even before the medic unit left. The fire itself was put out relatively quickly, thanks to fast work by neighbors in spotting the smoke and flames and calling 911. SFD’s investigator is working to find out how it started.

9:45 AM: Added above, video of Capt. Stephenson’s briefing. We will update if/when more information about the fire victim and/or cause becomes available.

ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Commenters say the victim has died (we have contacted the Medical Examiner, Harborview, and SFD to try to confirm this and none have that information so far). Meantime, we also asked SFD about the fire’s cause; spokesperson Kristin Tinsley replied, “The fire started on the first floor of the home, near the side entry door in the kitchen. The fire cause was ruled undetermined by investigators.”

Ade Bateman January 15, 2018 (8:08 am)

Huge amount of smoke. Ash falling at 44th & Andover. Hope everyone is okay.

Xana January 15, 2018 (8:17 am)

Yes saw the thick smoke sure hope everyone’s okay

na January 15, 2018 (8:22 am)

It smells smoky in North Admiral as well. I’m not sure if this is from wood burning fires or the fire in this story.

Neighbor January 15, 2018 (8:46 am)

Hope the man is okay, so glad they were able to get him out – the smoke plumes were so high…

WSB January 15, 2018 (8:48 am)

Sounded very serious, but he is on the way to HMC now and they’re certainly doing everything they can. We are awaiting the official briefing from SFD for more information on that and on the fire. – TR
- WSB January 15, 2018 (8:58 am)
  
  …adding to the story but the man who was inside the house is the only person who was hurt and he is in critical condition – TR

4thGenWestSide January 15, 2018 (4:21 pm)

Very fortunate that Ian Reid was driving by and got out to help, saw the smoke / called the fire department. it sounds like he made a difference. Prayers to the gentleman who was in the home.

heyalki January 16, 2018 (7:21 am)

Someone start a crowd fund for him!

WSB January 16, 2018 (9:09 am)

If you or anyone else has information about the victim and what if anything he needs, please do let us know. Haven’t heard from anyone so far, nor do I have a name to check to see how he’s doing. Thanks.

jp January 16, 2018 (10:41 am)

George Cadero

Paul January 16, 2018 (1:44 pm)

unfortunately the man died from his injuries.

WSB January 16, 2018 (1:56 pm)

I haven’t been able to confirm that – through SFD or Harborview.
- Dana Jameson January 16, 2018 (2:27 pm)
  
  This was my uncle. He passed away last night.
  - Ron Rocz January 16, 2018 (4:04 pm)
    
    I was George’s neighbor in the house on the north side, and he and I graduated from West Seattle High in the same year. I had known his off and on over all the years. We had great conversations in the yard and in front of his computer. He used to assist my father send emails to my lady friend in Ghana, Africa. I am deeply saddened to loose a special, if quiet, neighbor of long standing.
  - Kristi H January 17, 2018 (3:39 pm)
    
    I am the next door neighbor who saw the fire and called 911. I’m so sorry for the loss of George. We just moved in and had not met him yet- peace and good thoughts towards his extended family.

Beckyjo January 16, 2018 (3:06 pm)

So sorry for your family’s loss.

Guy Olson January 16, 2018 (4:07 pm)

RIP sir

ProudPapa January 16, 2018 (4:19 pm)

Rest in peace George.

Neighbor January 16, 2018 (4:40 pm)

I am so very sorry for your loss, so tragic.

jp January 17, 2018 (9:54 am)

does anyone know how this fire started?

WSB January 17, 2018 (10:14 am)

I added an update yesterday at the end of the story. SFD ruled it “undetermined.”

Deb January 17, 2018 (11:53 am)

To the family and neighbors of George – I am so sorry for your loss.

Loreen Cadero January 17, 2018 (11:18 pm)

A great man…. My uncle George Cadero. One in a million. He will most definitely be missed by so many. RIP UG.

Sarah Case January 19, 2018 (4:54 pm)

Thank you to everyone who has left a kind word about our Uncle George, and to the neighbors who have offered their condolences while we have been at the house cleaning up. He had lived in West Seattle for a very long time, was kind, loving, and hilarious, and he will be very missed by everyone who knew him.
Also, he would have loved that the news thought he was 50-60. He was 77. :)

Bill Brown January 21, 2018 (8:59 am)

George has been a life long friend since H.S. In Port Townsend. He graduated in 1959 and was very popular with everyone. George was an accomplished music maker and loved his guitars.

I will miss all of our discussions on the Internet and his updates on all the areas sports news. Loreen is correct, George IS one in a million.

Bruce Melin January 29, 2018 (7:37 pm)

I am heartbroken to learn of the death of George Cadero. I had been his Supervisor at his last place of work and maintained an almost daily e-mail correspondence with George once we both retired. I loved the jokes he sent to me almost every week that I could share with a group of friends with whom I have coffee on Sundays. I sent several e-mails to him concerned as I had not heard from him just as he would send me ones any day I didn’t respond to him. George was a good man who worked hard and loved his family. I truly miss him now.

Zulma January 31, 2018 (1:26 am)

Bruce- I found out this morning and I am deeply saddened by this. George would email me periodically and although I would not always answer it became a comfortable routine to see his name on my Inbox.

may you Rest In Peace George

CAROL KAALD February 1, 2018 (1:06 pm)

Very sad to hear about George. Just learned about it yesterday. We worked together for a long time at Crowley from early 1970’s on….still kept in touch by e-mail,etc. Have always remained friends all these years. I agree with the earlier post about his age estimated by the fire department – being 77 he would get a hoot over that.

Best Regards to his family – he will be missed.

Carol Kaald (although George called me Carolina)

Sorry, comment time is over.