Richmond Highlands fire - Shoreline Fire report

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

By Melanie Granfors, Shoreline Fire

A devastating house fire broke out around 10:30 pm Wednesday, in the 300 block of NW 177th Street in Shoreline. 

Shoreline Firefighters arrived after homeowners had managed to escape the flames and alert a neighbor to call 9-1-1.

When Shoreline fire crews arrived, the two-story home was completely engulfed in flames shooting from all sides of the house, and thick black smoke was pouring down the cul-de-sac, causing some exposure damage to two houses on either side.

The couple who occupied the home was able to escape, but reported they made their way through heavy smoke and flames with seconds to spare.

There were no injuries to firefighters or any residents during the incident.

Fire crews were forced to fight the blaze from the exterior because of the intense heat, smoke and flames. The structure and contents were totally destroyed.

Shoreline Fire requested and received assistance from Snohomish County Fire District 1, Northshore Fire and Seattle Fire with over 30 firefighters at the scene throughout the incident.

Shoreline and King County Fire investigators were unable to begin their work until after daylight on Thursday, due to darkness and the time necessary for hotspots to be fully extinguished and for all of the smoke to clear and improve visibility. Fire crews remained at the scene throughout the night.

The couple, who had lived in the home for years, have lost everything and will have to relocate for an undetermined amount of time.

RHNA Neighborhood collecting donations.