Editor’s Update 02/21/2023 3:00 PM: Today the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office released the I.D. on the two people killed in this fire. They were identified as 28-year-old Jonathan I. Kim and 65-year-old Jane H. Kim, both of Everett, Washington. The cause of death is fire-related injuries. The manner of death is Accident.
Firefighters on scene December 25th.
The Everett Fire Marshal’s Office has completed its investigation on the double fatal townhome fire that occurred on December 25, 2022, in the 9800 block of 3rd Ave SE. After conducting a scene examination and following up on interviews with witnesses, the cause of the fire has been listed as undetermined. An undetermined cause classification means that the cause of the fire could not be proven to an acceptable level of certainty. No evidence or information leads investigators to believe a crime was committed.
IMPORTANCE OF SMOKE ALARMS
The home was equipped with smoke alarms, but investigators believe they were not operational.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” states Everett Fire Marshal Kurtis Brown. “They are the first line of defense and a critical component to potentially alert a person to the dangers of smoke and fire Smoke alarms provide crucial time and opportunity for you and your family to escape. It is critical that these life-saving devices are checked and tested frequently to ensure proper functioning.”
The Everett Fire Department urges our community to act to ensure they have working smoke alarms in the right places in their residence. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement, in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Larger homes may need extra smoke alarms.
It is important to remember that smoke alarms need to be maintained. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries need to be checked and replaced regularly. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date and specifications on the label to ensure the smoke alarm is not outdated. All smoke alarms should be replaced completely every ten years. These simple steps will help ensure that you and your family will have the best chance of surviving if a fire should strike.
Families should also practice their fire escape plan, to ensure they can quickly escape if awakened by a fire. Remember to close doors behind you as you evacuate. For more information on smoke alarms and fire escape plans, visit the National Fire Protection Association website (nfpa.org).
The Everett Fire Department has a program to assist our residents with installing smoke alarms free of charge. If you need assistance and live in the Everett city limits, contact the Everett Fire Marshal’s Office at 425-257-8100 or email at FMO@everettwa.gov.
January 27, 2023
Everett Fire