Federal Way Apartment Fire Displaces 40; Cooking Blamed

A kitchen fire that started with unattended cooking oil on a stovetop forced about 40 people from their homes at a Federal Way, Washington, apartment complex on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, investigators said. No one was hurt, but the fire spread from one unit to the floor above and left 18 apartments empty.

The fire is a reminder of how quickly a routine meal can turn into a building-wide emergency, and of how much neighbors in multifamily housing depend on one another's habits in the kitchen.

Timeline

The fire broke out in a single second-floor apartment at the Crestview West Apartments in the 27900 block of Pacific Highway South, according to KIRO 7. South King Fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the unit and called a second alarm, KOMO News reported. The fire extended to the third floor before firefighters brought it under control.

Who was affected

The American Red Cross initially reported 25 people displaced, but revised the number upward to about 40 people from 18 units, according to FOX 13 Seattle. All occupants evacuated safely, and no injuries to residents or firefighters were reported.

Response and aid

Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers worked with displaced residents on shelter, food and clothing. A temporary shelter opened at the Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd St. The Red Cross encouraged evacuees to bring medication, clothing, blankets and comfort items for family members.

Cause

Investigators determined the fire was accidental. It began with cooking oil and French fries left unattended on a stovetop, KIRO 7 reported. The King County Sheriff's Office Fire Investigation Unit handled the investigation.

Why cooking fires matter for apartment dwellers

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and unattended cooking is the most common factor. In apartment buildings, one kitchen fire can displace dozens of neighbors, as it did here, because smoke, flames and the water used to fight them reach units above, below and beside the one where the fire began.

Stovetop safety basics

• Stay in the kitchen when frying. If you need to leave, even briefly, turn off the burner.
• Never use water on a grease fire. Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Water can make burning oil splatter and spread.
• Keep a lid and an extinguisher handy. Ask your landlord whether a fire extinguisher is provided, and learn how to use it before you ever need it.
• Keep the cooktop clear. Towels, paper, packaging and oven mitts left near burners can catch fire quickly.
• If the fire grows, get out. Close the door behind you, pull the building alarm if there is one, and call 911 from outside.

If your unit is damaged by a neighbor's fire

• Contact your renters insurer quickly. Your own policy typically covers your belongings and temporary living costs, regardless of where the fire started.
• Talk to management about rent and timelines. Ask for written answers about repairs, prorated rent and your deposit, and contact a local tenant resource if you have questions about your rights under Washington law.
• Use Red Cross help. The agency can provide emergency lodging, basic supplies and referrals for longer-term recovery.
• Track your expenses. Keep receipts for hotels, meals, laundry and replacement essentials. Insurers generally reimburse additional living costs only with documentation.
• Check on your deposit. If you decide not to return, ask management in writing how and when your security deposit and any prepaid rent will be handled.

Residents displaced by the Crestview West fire who still need help can contact the Red Cross Northwest Region or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.