Firefighters on roof of a home in the 6500 block of Delridge Way S.W. spray water through a hole cut there to douse flames inside the house. The fire broke out in the basement of the house and spread throughout it causing extensive damage.
UPDATE 3:15pm
The fire investigator estimated the damage at $150, 000 to the structure and $50,000 to the contents. The house is considered a total loss.
It took more than 50 firefighters 15 minutes to control the flames. The crews were able to protect the homes to the north and south of the burning house.
All of the occupants safely evacuated. Two of the occupant’s cats escaped the fire. Firefighters rescued a third cat found in the basement bedroom. The tenants say all half dozen of their backyard chickens survived the fire.
Firefighters will remain on scene as a Fire Watch to ensure the house does not rekindle.
Original Post
A fire that began in the basement of a single family home in the 6500 block of Delridge Way S.W. shortly after 11am essentially destroyed the home though no cause or damage estimate has been announced. The fire produced heavy smoke that could be seen at a distance.
According to SFD PIO Kyle Moore the residents were home but outside in the back yard when the fire broke out. Their efforts to put it out with a garden hose were unsuccessful and multiple 911 calls from neighbors got a big response from the fire department.
Fire was fully involved when firefighters arrived. There were three cats in the house and one got out right away, the second was rescued by Seattle Fire and a third is still being sought.
Fire investigators have interviewed the the residents and will announce the cause and damage estimate later.
Red Cross will be offered to the residents if they cannot find other shelter.
