A family lost their home and most possessions following a Monday morning fire caused by a candle that was knocked over. The family escaped without injury.
Mountain View Fire and Rescue/Black Diamond Fire Department responded to the house fire at about 9:30 a.m. in the 312 block of 172nd Ave. S.E.
Investigators estimate the home a total loss at $300,000 and $80,000 for contents.
The department firefighters have collected more than $700 for the family to replace Christmas gifts lost in the fire.
The fire department plans to give the money and/or gifts on Thursday. The department collected the funds from fire personnel, a volunteer organizations and community members.
According to a release from the department, a young boy knocked over a candle which caught a table on fire. The fire spread quickly throughout the room and created heavy black smoke.
The smoke was thick enough the fire could not be seen. An older boy alerted everyone in the house to evacuate. The five people inside the home were able to evacuate the house with their four dogs and one of their cats.
The mother called 911 from outside of the home using a cell phone. When first fire engine arrived firefighters saw smoke and flames coming from the front and left side of the house. They sprayed water from the outside of the home to knock the fire down. Once more units arrived on scene and the fire was knocked down, fire crews went inside to put the fire out.
The King County Fire investigator agreed the fire was probably caused by a candle.
The American Red Cross helped the family out with immediate lodging and money to get started.
Fire department safety message
Young children should never have access to lighters, matches, lit candles or anything else that may cause a fire. Young children should be taught to leave matches and lighters alone and not to touch them. It is a good idea to teach these children to leave the items and get an adult to remove the items from danger. Another safety message for children is to stop, drop, cover (your face) and roll when fire gets on your clothes. Also work on exit drills in the home (EDITH).
For more information on safety topics and help teaching these topics call Tim Perciful at 253-735-0284.
