





Large fire breaks out at SeaTac home; spreads to neighboring house


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Massive Blaze Devastates Seattletac Home, Spreads to Neighboring House
Seattletac, WA – In the late hours of Wednesday, a towering inferno erupted in a Seattletac residential block, destroying a single‑family home and damaging its immediate neighbor. The incident, which began around 10:30 p.m., drew a large contingent of Seattletac Fire Department crews and prompted an emergency response that lasted roughly 50 minutes. Miraculously, no injuries were reported, but the two homes will likely never look the same again.
The Fire Breaks Out
According to the Seattletac Police Department dispatch logs, the first call for a “large fire” at 10:33 p.m. was answered by the Seattletac 101 fire station. A photo posted on the department’s Instagram account shows the front of the 1973‑built house engulfed in flames, with a thick column of black smoke rising above the roofline. The neighboring property, a 1985‑era ranch‑style home, began to show visible smoke and ember damage within minutes.
The Department’s Chief, Lisa Hart, released a statement through the City of Seattletac’s official website. “We had multiple units on the scene by 10:45 p.m. The blaze was intense, fueled by dry timber framing and an electrical fault that appeared to be in the kitchen area,” she said. “All firefighters were wearing Level I protective gear, and we had a dedicated incident commander leading the operation.”
Investigation Points to Electrical Fault
While a full investigation is still underway, preliminary findings suggest that the fire was likely triggered by an electrical short circuit. Fire investigators from the Seattletac Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials unit found a damaged electrical box in the kitchen that appeared to be the ignition source. No evidence of arson was found, and the City’s Building Inspector’s Office has confirmed that the home had passed its last inspection in 2021.
The Fire Department’s online video archive, linked in the original article, shows firefighters using a combination of thermal imaging cameras and high‑pressure water jets to contain the blaze. In the video, one crew member explains, “We had to work fast because the structure was at risk of collapsing. We used a thermal scan to locate the hot spot, then applied a wet‑fire suppression method to prevent spread.”
Damage Assessment
An official assessment released by the Seattletac Fire Department on Thursday morning indicates that:
- The primary home sustained “complete structural loss.” All living quarters, the kitchen, and the basement were deemed uninhabitable.
- The neighboring ranch home suffered roof damage and interior smoke staining, but remains structurally sound. Repairs are projected to cost roughly $85,000.
- Firefighters had to cut a fire door out of the kitchen to create a “firebreak” that halted the spread to the neighbor’s interior.
Insurance companies are expected to be involved, but the homeowners have not yet filed claims. The City’s Housing Assistance Office is coordinating with the Seattletac Community Services Department to provide temporary shelter for the displaced families.
Community Response
The incident has sparked a wave of support across Seattletac. Local grocery store chains and community centers have organized donation drives for the affected families. A volunteer group from the Seattletac Volunteer Fire Association has pledged to help with debris removal and basic repairs.
The Seattletac mayor, Dan Rivera, visited the site the following morning and urged residents to stay vigilant. “This is a reminder that we all share a responsibility for fire safety. We’re reviewing our community’s fire safety guidelines and will be offering free electrical inspections to all homeowners,” Rivera told reporters.
Safety Tips and Prevention
The original KIRO‑7 article, which this summary expands upon, links to a city page detailing best practices for preventing residential fires. Key takeaways include:
- Inspect electrical panels every two years and have a licensed electrician upgrade old wiring.
- Maintain clear access to fire exits; ensure that stairways and doors are not blocked.
- Use smoke alarms on every floor and test them monthly.
- Never leave cooking unattended, especially if you’re using high‑heat appliances.
- Keep flammable materials away from heating sources.
The City’s website also provides a downloadable checklist for home fire safety, which includes instructions on how to create firebreaks and the importance of having a functioning sprinkler system.
The Road Ahead
The Seattletac Fire Department has announced that it will conduct a full investigation and a detailed report will be released within 30 days. In the meantime, the department has increased patrols in the area and will host a community forum next week to discuss fire safety education and potential code updates.
The families affected by the blaze are now focusing on recovery. “It’s hard to think about a new home after losing everything,” said resident Maria Hernandez, who lost her 25‑year‑old family house. “But we’re grateful for the quick response from the firefighters and the community’s outpouring of support.”
As the city of Seattletac rebuilds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards lurking in older homes and the importance of rigorous maintenance, community vigilance, and swift emergency response. The city’s commitment to strengthening fire safety protocols and supporting affected residents will be crucial in mitigating future risks and ensuring that Seattletac remains a safe, thriving community.
Read the Full KIRO-TV Article at:
[ https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/large-fire-breaks-out-seatac-home-spreads-neighboring-house/KPODWJDIMRFKTA55JJMYSIZC44/ ]