Update from Everett Fire at 12:00 PM on Saturday Dec. 23rd: Update: 2229 Colby Avenue Fire
The fire blocked the stairwell forcing people to jump from the second floor.
There were two injuries to occupants of the complex. One of the injuries occurred when an occupant jumped approximately 10 feet to the ground, this victim has since been released from the hospital with minor injuries. The other occupant was overcome by smoke inhalation and continues to be hospitalized in critical condition.
Everett Fire Investigators are being assisted by the Everett Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the origin and cause of the fire. They have completed their work at the scene and have turned it over to the building owner and a private construction company, who are checking for any asbestos related concerns due to the age of the building, to start the recovery process.
There will be no further updates regarding this fire over the weekend and Christmas holiday.
Friday December 22nd. Here’s what we know as of 12 Noon on the three-alarm fire at the Colby Square Apartments last night. First the basics from Everett Fire Assistant Marshal Steve Goforth…
Investigators with Everett Police, Everett Fire and the ATF are all working the scene of the fire.
An ATF investigator’s helmet holds down some evidence Friday morning.
Upon arrival, heavy flames were showing and the call quickly upgraded to a second alarm, and ultimately a third alarm fire. Two people were transported to the hospital; one for smoke inhalation, status is unknown, and the second for non-life threatening injuries as a result of jumping from a second floor balcony.
Everett Police Department was on scene assisting Everett Fire Department. Mutual aid was received from South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue, Marysville Fire District, Mukilteo Fire, Lake Stevens Fire, Snohomish County Fire District 7, Snohomish County Fire District 4, Navy Station Everett, NW Ambulance and Community Transit. Also, American Red Cross responded to assist with displaced residents.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Today investigators remain on scene working as a team with Everett Police, Everett Fire and the ATF. There are a lot of rumors on social media regarding what may have happened and how the fire started. Investigators seem to be concentrating in the area near the stairwell in the back corner of the building.
“We are taking our time and being very methodical,” Assistant Fire Marshall Goforth told MyEverettNews.com. “We are following up on all of the information received and looking at video footage and reviewing witness information in addition to examining the scene and have not drawn any conclusions at this time.”
Goforth says 20 people have been displaced from the 14-unit apartment building. The Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting residents with housing and other needs.
December 22, 2017
Everett Fire