West Seattle, Washington
10 Saturday
1:54 AM: Big Seattle Fire response for what’s described as a structure fire at 16th and Roxbury. We’re on our way to find out more.
(West Seattle Blog/White Center Now photos by Patrick Sand)
2:07 AM: The fire is being fought by King County units as well as SFD, per radio communication – we’re still waiting for word from our crew regarding the fire’s specific location, as the real-time log has not been updated beyond “16th/Roxbury.”
2:29 AM: The public-information officer on scene tells us it’s in the commercial building on the west side of 16th just south of Roxbury. Still trying to determine which business(es).
2:37 AM: Our photographer has confirmed the building that holds LumberYard Bar and Rat City Tattoo is involved. We’re told a city crew was first on scene of this – Engine 11 (based in Highland Park) was on a medical call a short distance north on 16th when someone ran up and told them a building was on fire.
3:10 AM: The fire’s not entirely out yet – firefighters are still dealing with hotspots and trying to ensure the fire hasn’t spread. No reports of injuries, and it’s too soon for the investigation to begin into the cause.
3:48 AM: Not out yet. Firefighters from multiple departments are still working on it from both sides of the building (16th and 17th). Of note: This is a 2-alarm fire, according to the public-information-officer team.
4:32 AM: The LumberYard’s Instagram feed notes it was closed Sunday night because of a power outage. We don’t know details of that outage, but the City Light map shows 32 customers now out in that area because of the fire, so this may affect businesses beyond the ones damaged by the fire itself. We’ll of course be following up.
ADDED 10:37 AM: We went back this morning – in the view above, you are looking into the building from the alley side. Fire crews are still there:
We talked to Chief Mike Marrs of Fire District 2, which includes North Highline and Burien. The investigator finally got into the building a few hours ago to try to determine the cause.
Other businesses to the north were damaged – including broken glass. Firefighters were expected to be on scene, with 16th remaining closed in that block, until noonish. We will check back again.
11:58 AM: As linked in comments, a crowdfunding campaign has been set up for the LumberYard.
1:45 PM: Fire District 2 public-information Shauna Sheppard says they do NOT believe this was caused by fireworks. So far they’ve traced the origin to the LumberYard’s basement, and they believe it was accidental, though the specific cause remains under investigation.
7:54 PM: Along with the crowdfunding link for the LumberYard, here are three others for those affected: For the Boxing Gym; for staff of the affected businesses; and for Nuggi, a boba-tea shop that was opening soon.
ADDED TUESDAY: More crowdfunding – this time for La Tipica Oaxaqueña, and for Dottie’s Doublewide (that page notes it had new owners who were preparing to reopen).
The sun has set. As in past years, we’ll keep a running narrative of what happens in the hours ahead.
ROXBURY/OLSON: just got a text that westbound is blocked. This might be related to a gunfire investigation in the area. No injuries but there was a report of someone firing from a car at/near 5th SW and SW Cambridge.
FIRE CALLS SO FAR: 10:50 pm, and we’re hearing the first one in West Seattle since a “brush fire” call before 8 pm in the Highland Park Way/2nd SW vicinity – 2600 block of 37th SW, a “bark fire” call.
11:05 PM. – ‘LARGE HEDGE ON FIRE’: That’s the call in the 8800 block of 22nd SW [map], with four SFD units headed that way. … On arrival, they confirm a “brush fire” and they’re evacuating the house. … Scratch that, firefighters say neighbors tell them the residents aren’t home.
11:30 PM – 5-WAY CRASH: Crash affecting traffic at the Chelan/Spokane/W. Marginal/Delridge five-way. Possible DUI, police told dispatch.
11:54 PM – BRUSH FIRE: Now it’s on to a reported brush fire near Bar-S Playfields, 64th/Admiral.
11:57 PM – CRASH: A “rollover” crash is reported in the 4800 block of California SW. … The road isn’t entirely blocked; they’re talking about letting southbound buses “squeeze through.”
12:37 AM – FIREWORKS-THROWING: On the police channel, a report of someone in a car throwing fireworks at homes in the vicinity of 12th SW/SW Webster.
12:55 AM: If you find fireworks debris/trash in a park or other public space Monday morning, consider sending us a photo – ee document this every year with the help of reader photos.
1:01 AN: Police are being dispatched to a fireworks call in the 4700 block of Delridge Way SW, where multiple callers have complained that the fireworks users are “damaging cars” among other things.
While we’re talking about fireworks … even if you don’t use them, someone else might set them off near your house or apartment. On the Fourth of July last year, fireworks sparked a large fire at the foot of Gatewood Hill:
(WSB photo from 7/4/2020)
That was a photo we took from our car as we happened onto the scene shortly after the fire at California/Myrtle had started, even before SFD arrived. The memory is fresh for local firefighters, too. We asked the Seattle Fire Department about prevention advice – in addition to “Don’t use fireworks” – and here’s what SFD public educator William Mace offered:
Every year, the personal use of fireworks cause fires and injures people in the Seattle area. Last year, the Seattle Fire Department responded to 16 fireworks-related fires including two structure fires. One significant fire happened on July 4, 2020 in West Seattle where fireworks ignited dry brush in front of a four-story apartment building which then quickly extended to the top floor balcony.
(7/4/2020 photo by Rick Cook)
Fortunately, no one was injured, but several residents were displaced and the total estimated loss was $100,000.
The recent hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk for dry grass, bark, and brush fires. A firework can easily start a fire in these conditions.
Here are ways to reduce fires caused by fireworks near your home:
Remove branches, dry grass and anything that can burn from around your home.
Make sure tree branches are not touching your home.
Clear roof and gutters of evergreen needles and leaves.
Don’t leave cardboard or loose paper recyclables outside – make sure they are in a closed bin.
Keep a garden hose with nozzle hooked up and ready to use.
Also, make sure smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button.If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.
Two years ago, in unincorporated King County, a fireworks user started a two-house fire that killed a man.
SFD is about to dismiss most of the units that responded to a fire reported in the 2200 block of 37th SW. The fire, in the basement, is already extinguished, “(put) out by occupant.” 37th/Admiral is blocked by the response until all are cleared.
(Photo from commenter Bayuh)
1:37 AM: Big Seattle Fire callout to the 1100 block of SW Holden. Avoid the area. Updates to come.
1:41 AM: The fire is reported (corrected) under control, but not out.
1:52 AM: Firefighters say there’s still fire in the attic. The address SFD has logged for the incident is Highland Park Improvement Club. Our photographer is on the way there to verify.
(Added: WSB photos from here down)
2:13 AM: A commenter confirms that the fire is at HPIC, a century-old community-owned-and-operated facility. … They’re down to a few hot spots.
2:26 AM: Our crew is back (after communications challenges at the scene) and also confirms it’s HPIC. SFD’s investigator was on the way to try to figure out how this started. The building had been undergoing renovations – just last month, we reported both on that donation/grant-funded work and the community services that HPIC has provided during the pandemic.
2:46 AM: More units are being dismissed from the scene, but about half a dozen remain. We’ll be seeking out HPIC leadership later this morning to follow up on the extent of the damage.
10:56 AM: The cleanup has begun. Here are photos from Highland Park photographer/artist Dina Johnson – first, the stage area, that’s seen many performances and presentations:
More of the interior:
And the exterior:
Badly needed roofing work had just been completed, HPIC board members told us this morning. They’re still dealing with the shock of the fire so no details yet on the best way you can help; SFD was still investigating the cause at last report. We’ll continue following up.
2:29 PM: SFD says its investigator has ruled the fire’s cause “undetermined.”
1:32 PM: Though what brought an initially large SFD response to Aura (4435 35th SW) turned out to be a “very small fire,” firefighters at the scene tell us they’re still there because it set off sprinklers elsewhere in the building too, so there’s a water cleanup to deal with. No injuries. But southbound buses are being rerouted while the outside SB lane of 35th remains blocked.
2:12 PM: The call has closed, meaning all SFD units have left.
Two incidents to briefly note:
CRASH: A utility pole was damaged at California/Admiral by a hit-run driver this past hour.
FIRE: A mid-size SFD response is on the scene of a fire in an RV at 9th/Thistle right now. No word of any injuries; the fire has been extinguished. The SFD investigator has been requested but according to dispatch, isn’t immediately available because of a larger response in the area, a house fire at 12th South/South Cloverdale in South Park.
4:05 AM: Midsize fire response this past hour to Fauntleroy/Henderson, near the ferry terminal. We just caught up with the crews still on scene and they told us it was a carport fire, handled fairly quickly, no injuries.
11:08 AM: Though no investigator had been dispatched at the time of the fire, we noticed on the log that one was sent a few hours later. SFD says their investigation determined the fire was “intentionally set,” with damage totaling about $1,000.
10:47 PM: Seattle Fire is on the way to a possible residential fire in the 8400 block of Delridge Way. Updates to come.
10:52 PM: The fire is out (“tapped”) and SFD is downsizing the response. No injuries reported.
7 PM: All those sirens are for SFD units arriving at a garage fire at a house just west of Westwood Village, in the 9000 block of 31st SW. The first arrivals report smoke from a garage that’s about 20 x 20. Updates to come.
7:18 PM: The fire was confined to furniture in the garage, firefighters tell us. No injuries, no structural damage.
(WSB photo, post-fire, from Friday night)
10:49 AM: Last night’s fire in a West Seattle Junction condo building (WSB coverage here) has turned deadly. Last night, City Councilmember Lorena González disclosed the fire broke out in her building – and today, she has announced that the 79-year-old woman who was pulled from the burning unit was her mother-in-law and did not survive. Her statement, received by email:
My family is deeply saddened to share that last night we said goodbye to my 79-year old mother-in-law, Mary Lou Williams, who passed away after sustaining significant injuries from a fire in her condo unit located just two floors above our condo. My husband Cameron and his brother Carlos have lost their beloved mother and my daughter Nadia has lost her Grandma. Our loss is unimaginable. She was a member of the West Seattle Senior Center, where she often taught art classes and sold her own art. Her artistic ability was incredible and we live in a home with her art and memories on every wall.
“Thank you to the Harborview Medical Center nurses, doctors, therapists and other staff for doing everything you could to help our family and allowing us to be at her bedside the entire time. We know our first responders and all the medical staff did everything they could to make her comfortable.
“While our unit was spared, our building is uninhabitable. We are staying with friends while we assess our long term housing plans and assess the physical damage to our home. We are sustained by the outpouring of love and support, and offers of housing and basics from all of you during this devastating time. We appreciate your understanding as we embark on our journey to grieve and celebrate the life and memory of one of our matriarchs, our sweet Mary Lou.”
The statement adds, “Council President González and her family ask for privacy at this time as they grieve the loss of their family member and evaluate damage done at their home.” Last night she said she, her husband, and their daughter were not home when the fire started. SFD is investigating its cause.
11:51 AM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says, “I spoke to our fire investigators and they determined the fire was accidental and likely caused by an electrical failure. “
6:15 PM: Seattle Fire has arrived at what they are calling a “working residential fire” in the 4400 block of 44th SW in The Junction. Updates to come.
6:19 PM: Added top photo sent by Brenden. SFD reports “rescuing at least one person from the building.” Here’s a photo sent by WSB’s Katie Meyer:
(Added – photo from Aaron)
SFD crews are continuing to battle the flames. Another view from Brenden – the smoke has turned white:
6:34 PM: SFD says the fire’s out and the person they rescued is a 79-year-old woman who’s being taken to the hospital in critical condition.
(Photo by Katie Meyer)
(Photo by Larry Shaw)
The cause is under investigation.
7:17 PM: Some units are being dismissed. Along with investigating, there’s a lot of aftermath cleanup – such as broken window glass on the sidewalk below the building.
8:10 PM: This building is home to City Council President Lorena González, and we’ve been trying to find out her status. She has just commented via Twitter:
This evening, a significant fire occurred at our home. My husband, daughter, and I were not at home when the fire began. Thank you to all who have reached out, I want you to know that my immediate family is safe.
I am grateful to Seattle Police Department, the Seattle Fire Department, and our first responders for their efforts to stop the fire from spreading further and for their rescue efforts.
There’s also word that an off-duty firefighter helped in the early going, according to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, with whom we spoke at the scene:
Witnesses say neighbors were heroes too, “grabbing ladders and helping people out,” according to Wes Olsen, who sent this photo:
9:30 PM: Nearby streets have reopened; Metro Routes 50 and 128 have resumed service in the area.
SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: Separate story to come – the victim did not survive. She was Councilmember González’s mother-in-law.
Big response, quickly downsized, for what’s described as a kitchen fire in the 5000 block of Fauntleroy Way.
2:31 PM: Seattle Fire crews are investigating a report of a fire aboard what was described over emergency radio as a “700-foot Navy ship” at Vigor Shipyard on Harbor Island. More info when we get it.
2:41 PM: Crews have gone onto the ship to fight the fire.
2:44 PM: The fire is reported “tapped.”
5:42 PM: Avoid 35th SW south of Avalon; Seattle Fire has a sizable response there for a problem in an underground electrical vault. Updates to come.
6:06 PM: At the scene, firefighters tell us it’s out and the vault is ‘de-energized.’ City Light is here; some nearby power is out.
7:21 PM: The City Light outage map shows 130 customers are without electricity right now.
1:16 PM: Big callout in 5400 block of Fauntleroy but turned out to be a dryer fire, says SFD.
1:35 PM: One engine and one ladder truck left at the scene (on the east side of Fauntleroy). No injuries reported.
6:27 PM: Big Seattle Fire response heading for 3295 SW Avalon Way. That’s a mixed-use building on the southeast corner of 35th/Avalon. SFD says the fire’s on the roof. Updates to come.
6:34 PM: Kevin Freitas shares this image:
6:39 PM: Firefighters report the fire is under control. No word yet if anyone’s hurt. The smoke’s visible for miles around – we have reports from Beacon Hill to Bainbridge. This photo is from Hollie:
Video from Tomasz:
This photo is from a texter, in case you can’t place which building it is – it’s the one with the unoccupied commercial space (formerly a dental office) at ground level.
6:47 PM: The smoke has dissipated now, according to our crew at the scene, as firefighters continue working to finish putting it out. SFD meantime called a second alarm to help. (added) Cindy Gammon recorded what it sounded like as reinforcements rushed in:
I had a clear and too close view from across the street! Yikes! But super fast response from Seattle fire department. pic.twitter.com/KhD37rQ6xN
— Cindy Gammon (@gammonstein) April 4, 2021
Kevin Freitas has a time-lapse of the smoke dissipating:
Time lapse of the West Seattle fire 🔥 getting knocked down by @SeattleFire. #timelapse @westseattleblog @KIRO7Seattle @komonews @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/3yuUsYdOxM
— Kevin Freitas (@kevinfreitas) April 4, 2021
7:02 PM: While the fire is all but out, firefighters still have a lot to deal with – such as sprinklers. Here’s a closer view *from earlier* emailed by Finnegan Liddell:
Thanks again to everyone who has texted, emailed, and tweeted photos. Here’s an aerial (drone) view from Eddie:
=
An SFD public-information officer has arrived at the scene so we should have some additional information soon.
7:22 PM: SFD’s Kristin Tinsley confirms no one was hurt. The fire was confined to the roof and top (6th) floor. Fighting it was complicated by the fact the standpipe they would normally tap into was right in the fire area. No indication of the cause yet. Only “hot spots” remain. We have her briefing on video and will upload that when our crew’s back at HQ (update: here it is:)
7:35 PM: Firefighters just told dispatch that 10 units are “uninhabitable.”
(WSB photo)
8:41 PM: 10+ units are still on scene dealing with the aftermath.
(Another aerial view from Eddie)
ADDED 9:33 AM: From SFD spokesperson Tinsley via email: “Fire investigators have ruled the cause of the West Seattle 2-alarm fire ‘undetermined’ due to multiple possible ignition sources. Total estimated loss is $500,000 from fire damage to the roof and heavy water damage on roof and top floor.”
5:09 PM: Big SFD response for “fire in building” call at 17th/Barton. Updates to come.
5:13 PM: We’re here checking into it. Already downsized.
5:25 PM: Firefighters tell us someone was doing roof work and material started smoldering. Out fast. Last engine just left.
12:29 AM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is arriving at Avalon/Charlestown after a report of “black smoke (seen coming from) a restaurant.” So far they haven’t found anything and, while still checking, are reducing the response.
12:34 AM: Firefighters have talked with the person who called it in. They now believe it was smoke from a dryer.
7:33 AM: Big SFD response for what has turned out to be a small fire at a construction site near 26th/Genesee [vicinity map]. The response has been reduced but avoid the area.
7:50 AM: Five SFD units remain on scene, about half of those that weren’t canceled before arrival. Their investigator has been dispatched to look into the cause. Metro has rerouted Route 50 off SW Genesee for now.
8:01 AM: Photos added. SFD tells us at the scene that no one was hurt. The fire was in a center building of a cluster of under-construction residences. … Officers told dispatch the fire is “suspicious.”
9:01 AM: Genesee is open; Metro says Route 50 is back to its usual route.
7:40 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB that the fire’s cause has been ruled “undetermined,” with damage estimated at $20,000.
Briefly sizable SFD callout at Arrowhead Gardens, the senior-living complex in southeast West Seattle [map]. The incident log shows all but two units were canceled within a few minutes of dispatch. (Added: This turned out to have been a small kitchen fire, aka “food on the stove.”)
(Added: WSB photos)
12:03 PM: Seattle Fire has just arrived at a residential-building fire in the 9200 block of 16th SW [map]. It’s reported to be on the multi-unit building’s second floor.
12:07 PM: At least one person is reported to need medical treatment.
12:15 PM: Firefighters tell dispatch the fire is “tapped” (mostly out).
12:20 PM: Our crew on scene confirms even the smoke has dissipated. Avoid the 16th/Barton vicinity for a while, though, since as our newly added photos show, the response is blocking 16th.
12:30 PM: SFD tells us at the scene that the residents of the unit where the fire happened have all been checked out and no one will have to go to the hospital. An investigator is on the way to look into how the fire started.
8 PM: There’s a big residential-fire callout on the county side of the 2400 block of SW Roxbury – that means the North Highline Fire District is the primary agency, but others are being dispatched to help, including some units from the city side of the line. We’re on our way to find out more.
8:15 PM: Roxbury is mostly blocked just east of 26th. The fire was small, we’re told, in a vacant house. No injuries reported.
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