2-Alarm Fire Burns Vacant Building Near Seattle Center

SEATTLE — More than 70 Seattle firefighters worked into Tuesday evening to contain a fire burning inside a building near the Space Needle. Firefighters were called to 500 Harrison St., across the street from the Museum of Pop Culture, around 4 p.m., and crews adopted a defensive strategy due to the fire's size.

Seattle Fire said early reports of a person in the building prompted firefighters to reevaluate, but thermal imaging of the building did not appear to show anyone inside. Firefighters were unable to safely enter the building due to heavy smoke and concerns that it may collapse, officials said. Within 30 minutes, crews on the ground called in a two-alarm response, with 10 engines and five ladder trucks responding to assist.

Videos and photos shared on social media showed heavy smoke pouring from the building and visible for miles. The fire's cause remains under investigation.