(Images: CHS)
A fast-moving two-alarm blaze destroyed a one-story house as Seattle Fire rescued one resident from the home’s basement and a massive contingent of rescue vehicles and ambulances filled E Union late Monday night.
Seattle Fire was called to the area around 11:15 PM to a report of a house fully engulfed in flames near 25th and Union. Arriving firefighters fought to access the basement of the house in the 1400 block of 25th Ave where a resident was reported trapped inside. Crews were able to access the space despite security bars reported on the basement windows.
Thanks to @BrianWestbrook for additional photos and video from the scene.
Beyond the rescue, firefighting efforts were mostly focused on knocking down the fire in the already heavily damaged 1950s-era structure. Most of the building was charred and smoking with only a few portions of the exterior untouched.
The victim was rushed to Harborview. We do not have any information on their condition. Seattle Fire reports three more residents were able to escape the house on their own. UPDATE: Seattle Fire says the victim, a man in his 50s or 60s, was in serious condition and transported to Harborview.
Onlookers, some masked due to COVID-19 concerns, gathered on sidewalks around the scene of a fire truck-filled E Union.
Seattle Fire is investigating is investigating a cause.
UPDATE x2: Seattle Fire says investigators determined the fire was accidental, “caused by embers from a fire in a fireplace that likely ignited nearby combustible materials in the basement living area.” Estimated loss is $350,000.
— Tina Shepard (she/her) 🏔🏃🏻♀️🟧 (@shepard_tina) April 28, 2020
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Thank God no one perished. Thanks to the 1st Responders/FF’s as well.