The roof of a house in Snoqualmie, Washington, was burned in a house fire that started shortly after 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
The house is in the 6600 block of Fairway Avenue Southeast. Chopper 7, which was overhead at about 6:15 p.m., could see that the big flames were out, but all that was left of the second floor was smoldering rubble.
Firefighters said they think the fire started on the roof with fireworks, then quickly burned through the attic and consumed the second floor.
Investigators found remnants from a bottle rocket in the yard. They went door to door looking for who might have set off the illegal firework.
Neighbors say illegal fireworks are a problem in Snoqualmie.
“The Fourth of July the last few years has been like a war zone. People are setting off bigger and bigger mortars and bottle rockets are going everywhere,” said neighbor Greg Harrelson.
Tony Russell was in his yard next door and saw the fireworks, then the fire. “I just glanced up at the top of the roof and flames were just shooting up,” said Russell.
Fireworks are allowed in Snoqualmie, but not the kind that shoot into the air.
The owners of the house were out of town. Although they were upset to find out about the fire, they told KIRO 7 the house is insured.
Neighbors were frustrated Friday night that people were still shooting off illegal fireworks in the neighborhood. They were quick to hose down their roofs.
“If I hear some going off close, I’ll probably ask them to go and stop because it’s just not worth it,” said neighbor Karen Harrelson.
One firefighter twisted an ankle, but there were no other injuries.
Want to talk about the news of the day? Watch free streaming video on the KIRO 7 mobile app and iPad app, and join us here on Facebook.
KIRO
