Seattle Firefighting Efforts Cause Water Discoloration Advisory for Residents
A significant fire broke out on Friday evening in Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood. A two-story house was engulfed in flames, leading to a large-scale response from the Seattle Fire Department (SFD). The incident occurred in the 500 block of 34th Avenue, displacing two residents and damaging nearby homes.
Firefighting Response Details
The Seattle Fire Department received multiple emergency calls at 7:38 p.m. reporting an exterior fire. Engine 6 was the first unit on the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found substantial flames spreading from the back deck into the house and carport.
Initially, a two-alarm response was activated to gather more resources. However, due to downed power lines on the north side of the building, the incident escalated to a 3-alarm fire. Fire crews adopted a defensive approach, attacking the flames from a safe distance while safeguarding adjacent residences.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
- Residents in nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.
- A unit remained on site overnight to monitor for any flare-ups.
By 8:10 p.m., flames had breached the roof, and just five minutes later, the structure partially collapsed. This situation made it unsafe for interior firefighting. The fire was officially under control by 8:58 p.m., allowing for a gradual reduction in firefighting efforts.
Advisory for Water Discoloration
As firefighters utilized multiple hydrants in the area, residents within a two-block radius received an advisory regarding potential water discoloration. Seattle City Light has cut electricity to the block as a safety precaution and is in the process of restoring power to residents.
Should residents experience tap water discoloration, SFD advises following these steps:
- Run cold water for a few minutes to see if it clears.
- If the discoloration persists, let the water sit for a few hours.
- Avoid using hot water until the cold tap water is clear to prevent contamination in the water tank.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by SFD officials.
