MOUNTLAKE TERRACE—South County firefighters rescued two adults and a dog from a third-floor window early Sunday as fire swept through an apartment building.
Crews responded to the Taluswood Apartments shortly after midnight on April 19 and found heavy smoke and flames pouring from the three-story building. Firefighters used a ladder to remove a man and a woman, both in their 20s, and the dog from an upper-floor window.
The pair was taken to Swedish Edmonds Hospital in stable condition and later discharged. The dog did not require medical treatment.
Firefighters searched 12 primarily affected units and evacuated residents from 12 adjacent units. All other occupants escaped safely, officials said.
After controlling the fire, crews continued extinguishing hotspots until about 2 a.m. One firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor injury. Two civilians were evaluated but did not need further care.
The blaze displaced residents of 13 apartment units, including at least 24 adults, one child and 15 pets. Volunteers from Support 7 and the American Red Cross Northwest Region are assisting with immediate needs.
The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause. Shoreline and Bothell fire departments assisted with the response. More than 60 firefighters responded in all.
South County Fire officials noted that modern homes and apartments burn faster than in the past because of synthetic furniture and open layouts, often giving residents less than three minutes to escape. They recommend developing a home fire escape plan and installing working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
