2-Alarm fire at construction site extends to home and cars in the Columbia City neighborhood

Seattle - At 2:38 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department's Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting a fire at an apartment building under construction in the 3300 block of Claremont Ave. S. in the Columbia City neighborhood. The first units on scene reported flames spreading throughout the entire structure. Causing them to upgrade the incident to a 2-alarm fire where eight fire engines, six ladder trucks and additional support units responded to the scene. More than 70 firefighters were dispatched.

The fire extended to a home immediately north from the construction site as well as several cars parked to the south. A utility pole at Claremont Ave. S. and S. Walden St. was also damaged in the fire, causing power lines to fall onto the street. The intense heat and downed power lines forced firefighters to attack the fire in a defensive position by pouring water onto the involved buildings and cars at a safe distance away. The resident in the involved home was able to safely escape the fire while additional crews evacuated neighboring homes and apartment buildings as a precaution.

Firefighters had the fire under control by 3:20 a.m.. Seattle City Light was able to shut off electricity to the construction site and secure the utility pole as well as the downed power lines. A fire engine will remain on scene through the early morning to monitor for flare ups. The occupant of the involved home was displaced, but other members of the neighborhood were able to return to their homes.

An adult female was evaluated at the scene due to exposure from the smoke, but is in stable condition. Residents in the area should keep their windows and doors closed throughout the morning due to the smoke. The incident is currently under investigation.