Seattle, WA – A two-alarm fire damaged multiple apartments in a Beacon Hill low-rise Sunday afternoon, sending one resident and a firefighter to the hospital, authorities said. Fire crews were called to the 1700 block of 13th Avenue South around noon, with smoke filling surrounding streets and prompting a massive response from the Seattle Fire Department (SFD).
Incident Overview
The fire broke out on the third floor of a three-story apartment building constructed in 1967, which contains 15 units, each about 800 square feet. When firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was reported coming from the upper floors. Confusion over the address—13th Avenue is in Capitol Hill, while 13th Avenue South is in Beacon Hill—briefly delayed response as crews confirmed the correct location.
“Crews on scene report heavy smoke coming from the third floor of an apartment building,” the Fire Department posted on X at 12:10 p.m.
Injuries and Rescue
An 87-year-old woman was rescued from the building and transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. Another resident, a 48-year-old woman, was evaluated at the scene for injuries and did not require hospitalization. A firefighter was also injured during the response and taken to Harborview in stable condition; the severity of his injuries was not disclosed.
Firefighting Response
Dozens of firefighters battled the blaze, which extended across multiple floors. By 12:45 p.m., crews had contained hot spots, and the fire was considered extinguished by 2:16 p.m. Despite the flames being under control, smoke continued to billow from the upper floors for some time.
SFD issued an alert at 12:30 p.m. advising residents within a half-mile radius to close windows due to smoke in the area.
Property Damage
The fire significantly damaged two apartments on the third floor, with smoke and heat affecting other units. Officials are assessing the full extent of damage to the building, which has a total of 15 residential units. The affected apartments are temporarily uninhabitable while the structure and utilities are inspected.
Public Safety and Awareness
Fire officials reminded residents of the importance of smoke alarms, evacuation plans, and safe exit routes, especially in multi-unit residential buildings. The incident highlights the risks posed by older apartment buildings with shared corridors and tightly spaced units, where fires can quickly affect multiple floors and residents.
Authorities are also reviewing the circumstances of the fire to determine its cause and ensure appropriate safety measures are implemented for the building and surrounding community.
Conclusion
Sunday’s Beacon Hill apartment fire resulted in one resident hospitalized, one evaluated on site, and a firefighter injured. Two apartments were significantly damaged, and dozens of residents were temporarily displaced. Fire crews successfully contained the blaze, but authorities continue to investigate the cause and monitor the building for safety.
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