BELLEVUE – Firefighters from Bellevue and Redmond extinguished a small fire in a condominium building at 5:10 p.m. on Thursday. The fire occurred at the Highland Condominiums on Northeast 31st  Street at 148th Avenue Northeast, in Bellevue.  

Initially reported as an automatic fire alarm, firefighters discovered a fire in a shared laundry room on the third floor of the building. Investigators attribute the cause of the fire to recent plumbing work done with a propane torch. Damage is estimated at more than $200,000.

Despite the small fire, there was damage to the electrical system and extensive water damage on every floor due to broken pipes. Residents were advised to evacuate the 24-unit building, and the American Red Cross assisted several residents with temporary housing.

Repair work was to begin Friday, and most residents were expected to able to return to their homes at that time.

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