EVERETT, Wash. — Everett firefighters worked quickly on Friday to prevent a dumpster fire from spreading into a building with businesses and apartments in it.
Just before 3 a.m. the fire department was called to 510 W. Casino Road after a fire alarm on the property activated.
Multiple 911 callers said people were trying to put out the flames with fire extinguishers.
When crews arrived, they found a large stack of cardboard inside the dumper on fire. The fire had also spread to the building’s exterior siding.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and transitioned to overhaul within about 10 minutes.
The fire damaged the trash compactor enclosure and the exterior siding of the building. No one was hurt.
“We appreciate the community members who recognized the danger, called 911 and tried to help,” the fire department said. “In general, if you encounter a fire, your safety should always come first. Fire extinguishers can be effective on small, contained fires when you have a clear escape route and know how to use one. If the fire is growing, producing heavy smoke or spreading beyond the area where it started, move to a safe location and call 911.”
If you do use a fire extinguisher, the department says to remember P.A.S.S. - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep from side to side.