MONROE, Wash. — A house fire in Monroe injured one person and closed Chain Lake Road during Wednesday’s morning commute.
Chain Lake Road runs from Monroe to Chain Lake. According to the Monroe Police Department, the road was closed in both directions near Rainier View City Park due to a house fire.
The fire began around 5:30 a.m., Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (SRF&R) confirmed, and one victim was taken to the hospital.
Northbound traffic was blocked at Rainier View Road, and southbound traffic was blocked at 137th Street SE. Schools and transportation services were also notified of the disruption.
According to SRF&R, three people, two adults and a child, started to evacuate the home when the fire was discovered, but quickly realized that one person remained inside.
The remaining person became trapped in an upstairs room, but firefighters say a neighbor quickly ran over with a ladder and helped them escape.
During the escape, the victim suffered smoke inhalation and cuts from broken glass. Police and neighbors looked after them before they were taken to Harborview Medical Center by SRF&R firefighters.
Crews evacuated nearby homes and got the fire under control within 40 minutes.
Early indications point to the fire originating in the back of the house, underneath a covered patio, where the homeowner was using an electric blanket to keep stray cats warm. The official cause of the fire will be determined after a full investigation by the Snohomish County Fire Marshal.
The house is new and sustained substantial damage, firefighters say. The American Red Cross is now assisting the displaced family.
SRF&R took the opportunity to remind people:
“Once a fire starts, get out and stay out. No possession inside a home is worth risking your life. Fire doubles in size within 30 to 60 seconds and becomes life threatening in less than two minutes with a fully involved fire within three. We understand that a house fire is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face, and our firefighters train to respond not only to protect lives but also to protect property whenever possible. We will always do our best to save pets and sentimental items when conditions allow. That is why working smoke alarms save lives! They give you the seconds you need to stay alive in a house fire to get out.”
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