Published December 2 2013
On Thursday, Nov. 27, at 12:22 a.m., the Bellevue Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire on the 7000 block of 123rd Avenue Southeast in Newcastle. The first engine company arrived in less than four minutes to find fire extending from the outside of the single-family home into the attic.
Crews immediately confirmed the four family members were out of the home and began an exterior attack on the flames. A total of four engine companies and two ladder companies worked to bring the fire under control in less than 30 minutes. Additional aid and medic units were standing by, but no injuries were sustained by the family or the firefighters.
The fire appears to have started on the exterior of the garage and extended into the attic space above the living area. Although smoke and heat damage to the living area is minimal, there is extensive fire damage to the attic and exterior garage wall.
The fire was discovered by a college student driving home for Thanksgiving. He alerted the occupants and called 911. The home did have a working smoke detector, which eventually sounded as the fire extended.
Fire crews remained at the scene into the morning and worked with investigators to determine the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross responded to assist the family with immediate housing and support. Damage is estimated at $80,000.