More than 50 firefighters fought multiple fires simultaneously across southwest Snohomish County last Tuesday afternoon, including brush fires and a house fire. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Around 2:20 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire in the center median of northbound I-5, just past exit 186. A few minutes later, additional firefighters responded to a second fire report on the Interurban Trail near 124th St. SE in unincorporated Everett. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed a total of three brush fires in these areas. No structures were impacted and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fires is under investigation.
Just before 3 p.m., as firefighters continued working on the brush fires, others were dispatched to a house fire near Lake Ballinger in Edmonds. First-arriving crews found heavy fire in the single-story home, with flames spreading into the attic and threatening a neighboring home. Two people inside had safely escaped before firefighters arrived.
As firefighters attacked the flames, others searched the home to confirm no one else was inside. Firefighters stopped the fire just as it began to ignite the neighbor’s fence. They gained control of the flames within about 15 minutes. One firefighter suffered a minor injury during the response. No one else was hurt.
“When multiple incidents happen at the same time, response is a highly coordinated effort,” said John Chalfant, South County Fire Assistant Chief of Operations. “Our strength is in our network of 15 fire stations and our regional partnerships, allowing us to coordinate resource needs with neighboring departments. By working together, we can ensure every emergency receives the necessary support.”
Three people displaced from the Edmonds home are receiving assistance from Support 7 and the American Red Cross. The cause of that fire is also under investigation.
South County Fire thanks Shoreline Fire Department and Edmonds Police for their assistance, as well as Snohomish County Fire District 4, North County Fire and EMS, and Mukilteo Fire Department, who provided continuing emergency coverage during these events.
Source: Snohomish County Fire
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
