UPDATE: Vacant-house fire in 8400 block 18th SW

9:04 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a full response to what they’re reporting as a “fire in a vacant house” on 18th SW near Thistle.

9:07 AM: Arriving crews confirm it’s a “working fire.”

9:11 AM: Radio traffic indicates this house was on SFD’s radar even before this, as they’re describing it as a “derelict building” and saying the house is a “no-entry zone.” They have water on the fire from “a safe distance away from the building.”

9:14 AM: Now firefighters are going in.

9:17 AM: Our crew has arrived; adding photos. Fire is reported under control and SFD says no one’s hurt.

9:21 AM: Neighbors tell us this house has been vacant for quite a while, and that squatters are often seen coming and going.

9:32 AM: The house’s owner is on scene too and says he’s been trying to keep it locked up. Meantime, SFD has the fire out in the basement but is still working on other areas of the house.

9:43 AM: Firefighters are starting to wrap up the response (which is a gradual process).

ADDED MONDAY: So far, investigators are ruling the cause of the fire “undetermined.”

Nicki Brie July 18, 2024 (9:09 am)

I’m on the H heading downtown and there’s been so much fire response going south on Delridge – holy crap

Neighbor July 18, 2024 (9:15 am)

Thank you for posting. I live close by and the response is major – lots of sirens.

Neighbor July 18, 2024 (9:35 am)

I counted at least 10 fire dept vehicles and ambulance and police on top of that. Is that typical response for a fire where no one is injured and it seems contained?

WSB July 18, 2024 (10:42 am)

Yes.
- Just wondering July 18, 2024 (11:11 am)
  
  Thank You Seattle Fire Department!
Question Authority July 18, 2024 (11:59 am)

With the weather like this an ember in the wind would burn the neighborhood, go big just in case.
- Neighbor July 18, 2024 (1:06 pm)
  
  Good point! Thank you!
Derp July 18, 2024 (5:23 pm)

Unfortunately they don’t know this information on the way to the fire. I would rather have a few more than necessary in case something else happens. Better to be safe than sorry
Chris July 19, 2024 (10:08 am)

Yes, standard “Full Response” for a residential house fire is:4-Engines2-Ladder Trucks1- Rescue Truck2 Battalion ChiefsDeputy ChiefSafety OfficerStaff OfficerMedical Services Officer1 Medic Unit1 Aid UnitFire MarshalAir UnitRehab Unit

WS Res July 18, 2024 (1:02 pm)

Why sit on an empty house you own? I will never understand this.

bill July 18, 2024 (2:03 pm)

Might be mortgaged for more than it is worth. There can also be irrational emotional attachment, unreal belief of what it’s “really” worth, psychological burden of cleaning out dead parents’ lifetime accretion of mementoes.
- Foop July 18, 2024 (3:15 pm)
  
  House was bought in 2007, it’s likely not mortgage for more than it’s worth.
Jeff July 18, 2024 (2:16 pm)

Because you have low carrying cost, don’t want to deal with tenants, and believe it will increase in value faster than other investments. Must be a nice decision to have to figure out!
Rhonda July 19, 2024 (12:37 am)

With Seattle’s INSANE anti-landlord rules and laws it’s often much more cost effective to let a vacant house appreciate in value than rent it out these days.
Junction Neighbor July 19, 2024 (2:48 pm)

I live next to one of these as well. They are selfish usually well-off people doing a diservice to the neighborhood. And, in my case, they are outdoor hourders as well and rats are everywhere (and, no, the City cannot do much about this).
K July 20, 2024 (7:41 am)

You own it because you inherited it when someone died, can’t afford to fix it up enough to rent it, but are locked in disputes with other relatives so you can’t sell it either.
- Rick July 20, 2024 (8:59 am)
  
  Been there, done that.