Local

Man escapes North Seattle house fire

SEATTLE — A man escaped a house fire in Seattle's Maple Leaf neighborhood early Thursday.

Crews were called to the 7500 block of Lake City Way at 2:15 a.m.

Firefighters said the man who lives in the home lit a fire in the basement fireplace but didn't realize the chimney was sealed in the attic.  He was able to get out of the house on his own.

The fire quickly spread to the attic, bypassing the second and third floors.

Seattle fire said the fire was put out within 20 minutes of their arrival.  Seattle fire spokesman David Cuerpo said it was difficult to access the fire and search the house due to an abundance of furniture and personal contents.

No one was hurt.