On January 11, 2026, at 11:58 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in an apartment building located in the 1700 block of 13th Avenue, Capitol Hill neighborhood. However, when crews arrived at the scene at 12:01 p.m., they found no visible fire or smoke. Just two minutes later, another 911 call clarified that the fire was actually in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, prompting dispatch to inform all responding units of the corrected address.
Upon arrival at the correct location at 12:08 p.m., firefighters confirmed a working fire with heavy smoke coming from the building. The situation escalated quickly, and by 12:10 p.m., the fire was upgraded to a 2-alarm response as crews began to tackle the flames that had spread to multiple floors and units.
Around 12:30 p.m., Seattle Fire issued an Alert Seattle message, warning residents within a half-mile radius to close their windows and doors to minimize smoke exposure. Firefighters worked diligently, and by 12:46 p.m., they had brought the fire under control on both the second and third floors. The blaze was fully extinguished by 2:16 p.m.
During the incident, an 87-year-old woman was treated and transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. A 48-year-old woman on the scene did not require hospitalization, while one firefighter sustained injuries and was also taken to Harborview in stable condition. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Fire officials emphasized the importance of closing doors when evacuating a burning structure, as this action can slow the spread of fire by limiting oxygen. They also reminded the public of the critical need for accurate address information when reporting emergencies. This ensures that firefighters can respond swiftly and effectively. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, remember to provide specific details and, if possible, identify nearby cross streets to aid emergency responders.
