Civilian Injuries -- Rather incredibly, only eight civilians were
injured, two seriously. This is a tribute to the Fire Department and to
rescue efforts by residents and neighbors. One woman jumped or slipped
while trying to climb down from a third story balcony before the Fire
Department arrived in force, and one was overcome with smoke. Four
people were released after treatment for smoke inhalation. There were
two other minor injuries.
It took three days to confirm that there were no fatalities. The Fire
Department compiled a list of survivors with the help of the building
manager. But despite their efforts and pleas on television and radio, some
of those who fled never returned or notified the authorities. (There were
some with criminal records, some involved with drugs, and many
immigrants among the survivors; not all wanted their whereabouts known.)
The woman who started the fire was not located until two days after the
fire; she was living with her sister.
Firefighter Injuries -- Two Seattle firefighters suffered elevated blood
pressure from exertion and exposure to heat. These were the only injuries,
an excellent record for a fire of this magnitude - but there was a close call.
Part of a balcony railing collapsed and fell on three firefighters in the
interior courtyard of the complex, but they were quickly cleared of the
debris and continued working. Their outfits protected them. This was
another win for the new generation of protective clothing, even though they
are hot to wear. The Seattle Fire Department calls higher alarms more
rapidly than a decade ago and rotates crews more often to deal with
exertion from wearing the new outfits and from having smaller crews.
Property Damage -- Total direct losses have been estimated at $3.9
million. Of this, $3.5 million was losses to the structures, $.12 million was
estimated losses to cars and trucks, and $32 million estimated losses to
contents. Out of 96 units 66 were destroyed or razed (though some lasted
long enough for some personal property to be saved). All of the remaining
units received smoke, water or firefighting damage. The surviving units
require rehabilitation and were still vacant six weeks after the fire.
Thirty-one vehicles in the parking lot on the south side of the
buildings were destroyed by radiant heat and flaming debris. The cars
seemed to explode in flames, though not from gas tank explosions. They
spread shrapnel and debris as they exploded.
The houses surrounding the apartment complex on the south side
sustained minor damage to windows and from smoke. Properties on all
other sides were undamaged due to the successful defenses of the
exposures. All of the surrounding buildings had been evacuated when it
was not clear how far the fire would spread. The property had been
appraised at $3.5 million in 1985 and had $4.3 million insurance coverage.
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