SEATTLE — A fierce blaze erupted in Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood Friday evening, engulfing a two-story house and prompting a massive firefighting response, according to the Seattle Fire Department (SFD).
Despite damage to adjacent homes, firefighters successfully contained the blaze in the 500 block of 34th Ave., SFD officials said.
A unit remained on site overnight to monitor for flare-ups. Two residents were displaced; neighbors have since returned to their homes, according to SFD.
Seattle City Light cut electricity to the block as a safety measure and is working to restore power.
Residents within a two-block radius are advised that firefighters accessed multiple hydrants, which may cause tap water discoloration, SFD said.
If this occurs, run cold water for a few minutes to see if it clears. If not, let the water sit for a few hours before trying again.
Avoid using hot water while the cold tap remains discolored to prevent filling your water tank with turbid water, SFD said.
An image of the 3-alarm fire that displaced residents in the Leschi neighborhood on Dec. 19, 2025. (Seattle Fire Department){ }
The Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received multiple 911 calls at 7:38 p.m. reporting an exterior fire on the back deck of a home in the 500 block of 34th Ave.
Engine 6 was the first to arrive, finding significant flames spreading from the back of the house into the first floor and a carport on the south side, SFD said.
The crew immediately called for a 2-alarm response to bring in additional resources, according to SFD.
Downed power lines on the north side of the building hindered access, prompting fire crews to escalate the incident to a 3-alarm fire.
Firefighters adopted a defensive strategy, dousing the flames from a safe distance while protecting nearby homes.
As a precaution, neighboring residences were evacuated, SFD said.
By 8:10 p.m., flames had breached the roof, and the structure partially collapsed five minutes later, rendering it unsafe for interior firefighting, according to SFD.
The fire was declared under control by 8:58 p.m., and the response was gradually scaled back.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
