UPDATE: House fire in 1700 block Alki Avenue SW; SFD says ‘likely caused by baseboard heater’

(Added: Photo by Susie Saalwaechter)

3:45 PM: A Seattle Fire engine crew sent to investigate a report of smoke from a house in the 1700 block of Alki SW [vicinity map] has called for a “full response.” Updates to come.

(Added: Photo sent by Gene Pavola)

3:51 PM: Firefighters report flames showing from the house. Alki Avenue will be closed to traffic at the scene.

3:59 PM: They’ve searched the house and so far found no one inside, so there’s no report of injuries so far.

(WSB photo)

4:17 PM: Our crew is there now; we’re adding photos. The fire has just been declared out (“tapped”). The incident commander tells us no one was home and they’re trying to reach the owner.

(WSB photo)

4:33 PM: SFD’s investigator is there to try to figure out the fire’s cause. Some units are being dismissed as the operation winds down.

5:17 PM: Just in from SFD: “Investigators ruled the fire was accidental. Likely caused by a baseboard heater igniting nearby combustible materials. Safety tip: please make sure you leave 3 feet of space between heating units and any furniture, curtains and clothing.”

PT January 15, 2024 (3:51 pm)

An engine and ladder truck just went flying passed my place on Charlestown Street.

Daniel January 15, 2024 (3:56 pm)

Dang yea we just heard like 7 minutes of continuous sirens from Jack Block headed over there, seems like 20+ units responding.

Steve Q. January 15, 2024 (4:00 pm)

I live a few houses down, a MASSIVE response – – fire, police, etc. A neighbor told me that it was a housefire, PERHAPS started by an unattended space heater…

WSLUV January 15, 2024 (4:01 pm)

Got caught on Alki Ave just as fire trucks started to arrive. Pulled over and the man who owns the house was waking his dog watching the fire rage. Felt bad for him. He said “about the worst thing that could happen”. I replied “for them yes. How awful”. He then stated “I tried to put it out but it all got away from me”. Very nice man. So glad he got out and so did his dog with him. Largest fire dept response I’ve ever seen. The house is just engulfed in black smoke. Heart goes out to the man that lived there.

WSB January 15, 2024 (4:23 pm)

The incident commander told us they hadn’t reached the owner yet – hope they have since connected.
- WSLUV January 15, 2024 (4:40 pm)
  
  I’m not surprised. The man I spoke with lived there. Whether he was a renter or owner he didn’t say. After we spoke briefly he headed across the street and began talking to his neighbors who were gathering around him. He did clearly state to me “that’s my place” but I was only there a short time and more and more fire trucks and dept vehicles were arriving.
  - V January 16, 2024 (7:54 am)
    
    From what I know he does not own the home at all. The owner lives in California her sister lives there and she passed so the sister in California owns the home. Not sure why he is there he does not own the home. My friend knows the owner and the women who passed away.
    - Guy January 16, 2024 (10:23 am)
      
      Wow “V”, your comment was unnecessary and uninformed. Wow!

Joanne January 15, 2024 (4:02 pm)

I’m sitting here watching all the flashing lights. The smoke was intense for a few minutes and now all you see is many flashing lights. Praying that no one is injured. Stay safe and practice kindness!

59th Ave Alki January 15, 2024 (4:13 pm)

3 fire trucks and one ambulance sped down 59th. One of the trucks was a large ladder truck.

sniffy1789 January 15, 2024 (4:18 pm)

21 unites responded according to SFD live. i am glad they all responded and it did notspread !

Jim Gardner January 15, 2024 (4:21 pm)

Lots of Seattle Fire and Rescue on the job today !!

Kate Ellis January 15, 2024 (4:36 pm)

did the fire spread to another house? noticed on SFD live it was 1722&1724 they responded to. hope everyone is ok and sorry for the lose of these peoples houses!

WSB January 15, 2024 (4:56 pm)

No, it did not. There was early address confusion (as sometimes happens – people calling in a sighting of smoke may not have an exact address, etc., which is one reason why the SFD-logged address might not be the actual address of the incident) – TR

Sorry, comment time is over.