Just after 10:30 a.m. today, Everett Fire, with the assistance of South County and Mukilteo Fire, responded to a fire at the 11100 block of Paine Field Way.
Callers to 911 reported smoke and flames from the motorhome with one person inside.
Before the fire department arrived, a crew with Snohomish County PUD happened to be in the area for an unrelated job when they noticed the RV fire. PUD employees worked to rescue the person from inside the RV.
South County Fire’s Engine 11 was the first unit on scene and found a fully involved RV fire, with an unresponsive adult female patient outside of the motorhome.
They also learned that a second person may be in the motorhome. Firefighters and EMS personnel immediately began performing CPR and administering life-saving measures while other fire crews worked to extinguish the fire and search for the second victim.
It appeared that the occupants had been living in the RV, which presented significant challenges for the firefighters due to the excessive personal belongings cluttering the inside. As they navigated through hoarding conditions, they found an adult male inside the RV. Fire crews immediately began CPR and attempted life-saving measures, but unfortunately, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A PUD worker was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was not transported to the hospital.
The surviving victim was transported to Harborview Hospital in critical condition by Everett Fire Aid 6 and South County Fire Medic 11.
Firefighters had the fire extinguished within five minutes of the first unit arriving.
The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by the Everett Fire Marshal’s Office. The Everett Police Department is handling the death investigation, which is standard procedure.
The preliminary investigation does not lead investigators to believe any criminal activity is involved with the cause of this fire. Judging from the picture, it looks like a fire may have started inside the RV parked, which was parked on the side of the road in a residential area near the airport.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office has taken custody of the deceased victim to determine the cause and manner of death and establish identity.
The location of the incident is close to Paine Field on a street parallel to Airport Way, called Paine Field Way. Traffic on Paine Field Way between 112th St SW and 111th Pl W remains closed for several hours while the fire investigation is under way.
Living in an RV with hoarding conditions significantly increases the risk of fire due to blocked escape routes, excessive combustible materials, and potential damage to electrical wiring.
It is crucial to prioritize fire safety by keeping combustibles away from heat sources, keeping exits clear, regularly checking electrical systems, and having a well-defined escape plan. Additionally, you should always have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to further enhance safety.
Though the circumstances are likely different than the car explosion back in January, the Fire Department shared tips for those who may be trying to heat themselves when living in a vehicle.
Whether you live in an RV or a home, hoarding can severely impede emergency responders’ ability to assist in critical situations and pose significant risks to the occupants’ safety. Taking these precautions can help protect your life and property.
February 7, 2025
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