SEATTLE — A two-alarm fire erupted on the 1700 block of 13th Ave S in Seattle just before noon on Sunday, prompting a swift response from the Seattle Fire Department.
According to the SFD, firefighters rescued an 87-year-old woman from the 15-unit apartment building. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center and is now in stable condition.
Additionally, one firefighter suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Harborview.
The fire, which initially started on the second floor, quickly spread to the third floor, leading the SFD to upgrade the response to a two-alarm fire.
Residents of the building huddled together outside to watch the scene unfold.
“I came home from work, and I saw the smoke coming out of my neighbor’s apartment,” said Katie Kaminski. “I couldn’t even tell which one it was because there was so much smoke.”
Shortly before 1 p.m., firefighters had the blaze under control. However, at least two units suffered heavy damage, and fire investigators are still working to determine the cause and the total number of damaged units.
Some residents claimed fire crews took longer than 15 minutes to respond.
“Both of my cats are dead because the fire department took so long to show up,” Kristen Adamson said through tears.
According to the Seattle Fire, an initial 911 call at 11:58 a.m. reported an incorrect address in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. A second call to 911 at 12:03 p.m. stated the correct address in Beacon Hill, and fire crews were on scene by 12:08 p.m., according to David Cuerpo with the SFD.
The SFD is currently conducting air monitoring and assessing the structural integrity of the building. Fire authorities have coordinated with King County Metro to provide a warming bus for temporary assistance to displaced residents. The Red Cross will further assist people in need.
A total of 75 Seattle firefighters responded to the incident. The situation was downgraded to a one-alarm response after about an hour while crews focused on “overhaul” operations, which involve removing debris from the fire.
Residents remain evacuated. The apartment building was yellow-tagged by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, meaning it’s unsafe for residents to return home at least overnight Sunday.