EVERETT, Wash. — A massive four-alarm fire ripped through a building under construction on the Everett waterfront on Thursday evening.
That fire consumed a four-story unfinished apartment building that was being built in the 1700 block of West Marine View Drive and Seiner Drive at Fisherman’s Harbor.
Flames were seen shooting from the roof and out of windows of the building.
There was so much smoke from the fire that it could be seen on radar.
Photo of 4-alarm Fire at 13/W Marine View Dr from earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/muVObBcwT5
— Everett Fire WA (@EverettFire) July 17, 2020
Officials said a firefighter suffered a burn to their hand, but no one else was injured.
A second building under construction was saved from a similar fate, according to firefighters. However, the heat from the fire caused some damage to the building, causing some windows to break out, firefighters said.
A woman who lives on a bluff overlooking the waterfront said the flames were so big that neighbors thought her home was on fire.
“I first ran and told my son and grandson and yelled to them ‘let’s get out of here,’” said Patrice Dorr. “I was scared to death, all I wanted to do is get to safety.”
“We got the animals in the car, moved a block away,” Dorr said.
Two of her neighbors were not so lucky, according to firefighters, who said embers traveled up the hillside and caught two homes on fire, causing people to grab hoses to protect their properties.
“It was so hot back here, I felt the heat inside of our home,” Dorr said. “I thought for sure we were going to get it.”
Firefighters said the heat from the fire was so powerful it blew out the windows of a ladder truck, melting pieces on it and on an aid car.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who is a certified fire investigator, will be helping Everett fire and police investigate.
Click here to visit the Everett Police Department’s evidence submission portal.
This was a 4-alarm fire, using all available resources in Snohomish County for mutual aid assistance. A Zone 3 Urban Task Force from @SeattleFire was called to the city for mutual aid to respond to 9-1-1 calls for service. pic.twitter.com/4oE02GKM6R
— Everett Fire WA (@EverettFire) July 17, 2020
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