3-alarm fire causes Federal Way apartment building roof to collapse, displaces 20 people

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A three-alarm fire displaced at least 20 people and destroyed an apartment building in Federal Way on Wednesday.

Firefighters were called before 4:50 p.m. to the Terra Apartment Homes in the 35200 block of 21st Avenue Southwest, where flames and smoke shot into the air and the roof collapsed.

Video from Chopper 7 showed a woman on a balcony who was only feet from the flames and needed help. Firefighters rescued the woman and helped her climb down to safety.

Another person who lives in the apartment complex said he helped someone escape. He said it was an intense moment but he was happy to help a woman get out.

“I was coming to leave with my family and I heard a lot people screaming that the building was on fire, so, I just ran over and just helped out where I could. I helped someone off a balcony,” said Lamour, a resident of the apartment complex.

A firefighter was taken to the hospital for a heat-related injury. Another person was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

No other injuries were reported. However, a firefighter did give a dog oxygen at the scene.

Crews said the flames started on the second floor of the building and 36 units were damaged.

Several King County Metro buses were used as cooling centers as temperatures were in the low 90s.

Firefighters said the heat was a factor as they tried to put out the flames.

Fire investigators ruled on Thursday that the fire was sparked by an accidental electrical problem.

Flames erupted on the second floor of the building.

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Fire officials said 12 to 18 units are possibly involved.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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