Eight Seattle firefighters were buried under debris after an awning collapsed during a house fire in North Seattle early Thursday, just moments after crews rescued the homeowner from inside the burning house.
The fire broke out at a home in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, prompting a large response from the Seattle Fire Department.
According to Seattle Fire spokesperson Kaila Lafferty, firefighters were working to establish a water supply and prepare to enter the structure when crews received reports that someone was still inside.
Firefighters located the homeowner and safely removed him from the house. Shortly afterward, an awning collapsed onto eight firefighters, covering them in debris.
Three firefighters and the homeowner were taken to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation.
“It was a really scary situation,” Lafferty said.
Lafferty said firefighters immediately rushed to help their colleagues after the collapse.
“Everyone jumped into action as quickly as possible to help their fellow firefighters,” she said.
Seattle Fire said all three firefighters who were transported to Harborview have since been discharged and returned home. Lafferty said all of them returned to service by the end of their shifts.
When asked whether the collapse resulted from a safety lapse or an unusual accident, Lafferty said firefighters were following established safety procedures.
“They were following those protocols, and it really did seem like a freak accident,” she said.
Lafferty said the collapse serves as a reminder of the risks firefighters face on every call.
“You see firefighters. We talk about their bravery. You see them responding to these incidents that we know conceptually are dangerous,” Lafferty said. “But incidents like this really prove the dangers that firefighters face every day.”
Harborview officials told KIRO 7 that the homeowner who was rescued from the house is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.
The incident remains under investigation, along with the cause of the fire.
©2026 Cox Media Group
