Shortly before 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, the Everett Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire in the 2000 block of 26th Street in the North Everett Bayside neighborhood. One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
Witnesses reported to 911 that the back of the home was on fire with seven-foot flames.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a boarded-up, two-and-a-half-story abandoned house on fire. They quickly established defensive operations to combat the fire from the outside, which originated on the exterior and extended into the eaves and attic space.
As crews worked to gain control over the blaze, operations shifted from a defensive to an offensive strategy. This allowed firefighters to access the interior and extinguish the fire while also searching for any potential occupants.
During the firefighting efforts, two firefighters were on a second-story balcony attempting to remove a sheet of plywood when a railing collapsed. One firefighter fell approximately 12 to 15 feet.
Immediately, fellow firefighters rendered aid and transported the injured individual to Providence Regional Medical Center for evaluation. Thankfully, after several hours, he was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home with his family.
Just after 1:30 a.m., the fire was completely extinguished, and fortunately, there were no occupants found inside the building.
“I am so grateful that our team member is back at home recuperating, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” stated Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “I hold immense respect and appreciation for our brave first responders and their willingness to walk toward danger. Incidents like this remind us of the risks they take every day to keep our community safe.”
Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco expressed his concern for the injured firefighter and emphasized the challenges faced by first responders, stating, “Today, we faced a challenging moment when one of our firefighters fell from a second-story balcony while battling a house fire. Our thoughts are firmly with him and his family during this difficult time. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our firefighters confront daily. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the crews who responded quickly and professionally to care for him. We stand united as a department, committed to supporting him and his family through his recovery.”
Mike Morton, President of IAFF Local 46, added, “Today, we are reminded of the inherent dangers of our profession. Our members put their lives on the line every day, facing risks that are often unseen. The injuries sustained by our colleague highlight the unpredictable nature of our work. Despite these dangers, we remain dedicated to serving the Everett community with unwavering commitment and courage. Our thoughts are with our injured colleague and his family, and we are grateful for the support from the community.”
Marysville Fire District and Snohomish County Fire District #4 provided additional aid.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Everett Fire Marshal’s Office.
October 24, 2024
Everett Fire