UPDATE: House fire in 5400 block 44th SW, sparked by electrical problem

(Added: Photo courtesy nearby resident Brooks)

6:49 PM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is at a house in the 5400 block of 44th SW. SFD says it’s a “mainly exterior” fire. We’ll be there shortly.

(WSB photo)

7:02 PM: The house is at 44th/Brandon. Still some small flames visible on its exterior.

7:17 PM: SFD is investigating how the fire started. No one was inside at the time but one of the residents was reported to have been at a neighbor’s house. Pets that were in the home were all brought out safely.

10:33 PM: No word yet on the cause – we’re likely to get that info tomorrow.

ADDED 10 AM THURSDAY: SFD’s Kristin Tinsley says, “Fire investigators ruled the fire as accidental and determined the estimated loss is $250,000. The fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in the house wiring at the location of a soffit-mounted light above the back door of the residence.”

Carol March 20, 2019 (6:55 pm)

Amazing as usual WSB. No sooner do we hear tons of sirens that you have us updated. Hope fire is contained quickly

CAM March 20, 2019 (7:56 pm)

I’m smelling a lot of bad smoke outside by Fauntleroy and Dawson. Is that related to this?

Beth March 21, 2019 (8:15 am)

So glad no one was hurt.

Eli March 21, 2019 (10:13 am)

Is anyone aware of organizing to support the family?

Ammo April 2, 2019 (7:30 am)

Dear west Seattle blog, Please take down this posting as just about everything in this post is incorrect. I am the homeowner and can personally attest that your posting has put my home at risk for theft since the time of the fire and that your “facts” are in no way representative of the truth on several counts. Our home has been destroyed, we are traumatized and nothing you provided here helped in any way nor does it represent the facts. I feel the West Seattle blog needs to seriously reconsider what “help” it thinks it is providing the community versus posting incorrect information for social consumption and placing the victims at further risk for post fire burglary. You effectively placed my devastation on a map for every criminal in the area. Think about it. Put yourself in my shoes and ask yourself how would you feel trying to protect what is now a total loss of your life thanks to a blog site?

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