UPDATE: Construction-debris fire at South Seattle College campus

| Puget Ridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Texted photo)

2:30 PM: A big Seattle Fire dispatch is arriving at the South Seattle College campus. It’s being described as “roofing materials on fire.” Updates to come.

2:37 PM: The fire is “knocked down,” crews on scene have radioed. The response is being downsized. We don’t yet know exactly what part of the campus this is happening at.

(WSB photo)

2:48 PM: The fire is mostly out but firefighters are dealing with some smoldering debris. This is in the automotive area of the college (which like other schools is currently closed to in-person instruction).

3:11 PM: Now the fire’s declared “tapped.” No word of injuries.

3:28 PM: Adding more photos. Meantime, we checked with SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson, who tells WSB, “From what we’ve gathered, the fire started with construction debris in the Automotive Technology construction zone. It sounds like that debris was at ground level, not on the roof.” More info later.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: SFD says the fire was “accidentally caused while construction crews were working at the site of a demolition and renovation project for the college. Estimated loss is $10,000.”

LJJ May 5, 2020 (2:35 pm)

Thank God. I thought it was the Chinese Garden. I could not handle that kind of a loss. Lots of units out there. Hope everyone stays safe.

Cps May 5, 2020 (2:36 pm)

Thanks so much, WSB! Just saw all the trucks go by and already you’re on it.

WSeattle Resident May 5, 2020 (2:37 pm)

Heard the sirens and could see the smoke from the Belvidere area. I hope everyone is okay!

Puget Ridge May 5, 2020 (2:38 pm)

It must have been a big fire. We heard sirens go by at least 4 times in a 10 minute period. It seemed to be quite a big showing of firefighters.

WSB May 5, 2020 (4:30 pm)

Big initial response, big initial smoke column, not a big fire.
Pdx77 May 5, 2020 (8:31 pm)

For any reported fire in the building type calls they will send a full response.. later they will send some units back if needed. This case it was a small fire that got taken care of quickly

CC May 5, 2020 (2:42 pm)

Super curious if my office is on fire…. if you hear any building names, let us know…

Tod May 5, 2020 (3:07 pm)

It was somewhere at the south end of the campus. I live across the street from the north entrance. Multiple fire trucks and police blocking the entrances. It’s all calmed down now.