David Cuerpo Seattle Fireline

Last night at 10:34 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke coming from an apartment building at the 2200 block of Alki Ave. SW. Ladder 11 was the first unit on scene and found smoke coming from a basement unit. As firefighters made their way to the fire room, they found the resident, a 27-year-old male, in the hallway. He was able to safely evacuate out of the building where paramedics provided medical care. He was in stable condition, but declined transportation to a hospital.

Crews were able to get water on the fire and search the home within ten minutes of arriving on scene. Smoke traveled throughout the building, leading firefighters to aid a 93-year-old, non-ambulatory lady to evacuate as a safety precaution. Paramedics evaluated her at the scene, determined she was in stable condition and did not require transportation to a hospital. 

One firefighter sustained injuries from the fire, but is in stable condition. Paramedics transported them to a hospital for additional medical care. 

By 11: 24 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished. Though crews remained on scene to ventilate the building to ensure it was safe for residents to return to their homes. Firefighters also assisted the elderly lady to get back home.

Investigators rule the fire was accidental and caused by food-on-stove that ignited, then extended to the rest of the kitchen. Estimated loss is $50,000.

Safety tip: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes.

Please consider the following cooking safety tips before you cook your next meal:

• Stay Put – stay in the kitchen when cooking
• Use a Timer – always use a timer when cooking to remind you that the stove is on
• Clean Up – keep the stove area clean and free of flammable objects
• Use Lids and Covers – keep a lid or cookie sheet near the stove in case of fire

If there is a fire:

• Never pour water on a grease or oil fire
• The best way to put out a small pan fire:
  • Slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pot or pan
  • Turn the burner off
  • Do not move a burning pan
  • Remove the lid only after the fire is out and the pan is cooled off

• If the fire is large and/or has spread to other items, get out quickly and if possible, close the door behind to prevent fire from spreading to other rooms
• Call 9-1-1 after you’ve left the house or building