Published November 5 2013
At approximately 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Bellevue Fire received multiple calls of a fire at the Hampton Greens Apartment complex, in the 4500 block of 148th Avenue Northeast.
Fire and police units arrived within four and a half minutes and encountered a large thermal column of smoke, visible from 148th Avenue Northeast. Initial units confirmed heavy fire involvement of multiple floors and units within the structure, as well as potential extension into the neighboring building.
In addition to fire operations, a number of residents sustained injuries from the fire and were cared for by other tenants. Fire crews and police officers provided medical care and evacuations of tenants. A total of six residents were transported to local hospitals; one resident taken by Bellevue Medic One to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Fire and police also searched for and evacuated tenants of neighboring buildings.
Fire investigators estimate damage to the structure at approximately $1.5 million; they estimated the loss of contents at approximately $150,000.
Due to the amount of fire involvement a second alarm assignment was requested and multiple master stream operations were established. Approximately 75 firefighters and 25 police officers were on the scene. The fire was brought under control at 85 minutes after the first engine company arrival.
Fire companies from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Bothell and Woodinville assisted in suppression operations. Bellevue Police detectives, with the assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, were called to the scene to assist the fire investigators in determining the cause of the fire. City of Bellevue structural engineers assisted with ascertaining the integrity of the building as well. Fire and police personnel continue to investigate.
Red Cross, Metro bus service and the property management company assisted with providing temporary shelter and support for displaced residents.