Discarded Cigarette Causes Fire at Watercrest Apartments in LFP

A King County Fire investigator determined the cause of a fire at the Watercrest Apartments in Lake Forest Park early this morning to be caused by a discarded cigarette in the planter area near a wall.

The fire from the cigarette ignited a small bark fire that extended to the exterior wall. Fire damage was limited to the exterior wall. 

The Northshore Fire Department responded to the report of the fire in a multi-family structure in the 14800 block of Bothell Way N.E. at 3:23 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed occupants evacuating the building as a result of a pulled fire alarm box. Adjacent to the main entry, firefighters observed smoke emitting from an exterior wall.  Firefighters opened the wall and extinguished the fire. All occupants evacuated safely, and there were no firefighter injuries.

Carelessly discarded cigarettes, cigars, matches or other burning objects may cause fires that have the potential to create serious life-threatening situations.

The Northshore Fire Department advises that if you smoke in or outside your residence use sturdy ashtrays. Discard cigarette butts, matches and other smoking materials in metal containers filled with dirt, sand or water to insure that they won’t start a fire. Another way to help reduce the risk of fire is by rinsing a cigarette butt or spent match with water before discarding