Possibly linked to fireworks, fire destroys Bothell home

At 5:35 p.m., June 30, Snohomish County Fire District 7 responded to a report of a roof fire in the 5100 block of 176th St. SE (unincorporated Bothell.)

According to district Public Information Officer Autumn Waite, upon arrival, crews found flames coming from nearly 50 percent of the roof. Wind fueled the fire, making it difficult to manage, Waite added. Crews spent 90 minutes getting the quick spreading fire under control.

The homeowner called 911 after seeing smoke coming from the roof. The owners, two of their children and a dog evacuated immediately. Two cats were later saved by fire crews from inside the home. Crews were also able to save a classic car and a BMW from the garage, as well as salvaging other family memorabilia from inside the home.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating, but the fire is believed to have started from fireworks, according to information released by Fire District 7. The homeowners and neighbors reportedly had heard fireworks throughout the day on the street behind the home.

The preliminary damage assessment values the loss of the structure at $1.2 million and the contents at $800,000.

Overall, 30 fire personnel responded including two units from Snohomish County Fire District 26. Crews from Monroe Fire District 3 and Snohomish County Fire District 1 moved into Fire District 7 to help cover other calls during the fire.

Waite said fire officials urge citizens to use extreme caution when lighting fireworks this Fourth of July. In unincorporated Snohomish County, legal fireworks only can be discharged on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

For more information on professional displays in Washington, legal vs. illegal fireworks, and safety tips, visit www.firedistrict7.com.

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