UPDATE: Briefly big response for what turned out to be a Dumpster fire in apartment building at 5200 California SW

(WSB photo)

12:21 PM: Seattle Fire sent a big response to an apartment building at California/Dawson after reports of smoke. First units on scene say it is a Dumpster fire inside the building. Avoid the area. Updates to come.

12:24 PM: The response is being downsized, as crews quickly got the fire “knocked down.”

12:30 PM: It’s out. They’re requesting the SFD investigator to come figure out what started the fire.

(Photo sent by Bill)

12:37 PM: Adding photos. Firefighters pulled the Dumpster out into the alley. No injuries; the building is a bit scorched.

kj February 25, 2020 (1:56 pm)

california and Dawson? nope

WSB February 25, 2020 (2:08 pm)

Yes, that’s both how it was dispatched and where the 5200 California building maps to. The entrance through which the Dumpster was accessed is off the alley, on the 42nd side.
Todd Martin February 25, 2020 (11:39 pm)

I live here. Napped right through it. Address is correct Right across from rite aid

Rick February 25, 2020 (2:32 pm)

Dawson heading west would go into the Rite Aid parking lot about midway. So, yep.

WSB February 25, 2020 (2:42 pm)

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/LkDQVzcro89NcaSd9

Brandon February 25, 2020 (3:31 pm)

Found a dude lighting trash on fire a couple of weeks ago in the alley behind the 4800 block of California, we called the cops but they just asked him to move along. Wonder if this is some escalation of the behavior (complete speculation)? The dude really had no idea where he was but was just lighting trash on fire and watching it burn as we pulled out of our garage.

Dan February 25, 2020 (6:46 pm)

@Brandon Can you provide a description of this person? I live in the apartment above the parking dock where today’s fire was (according to investigators) intentionally set and would appreciate info on who to look out for. Not going to get much sleep tonight.
- Todd Martin February 25, 2020 (11:42 pm)
  
  I live here in 23. Recovering from surgery. I slept through it which was strange they had sirens.very suspicious

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