No Injuries Resulted In Abandoned House Fire

Renton Fire and Emergency Services and the Bellevue Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 4135 Lincoln Avenue NE at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Monday July 18.

The blaze engulfed the abandoned two-story structure, which the departments allowed to burn to the ground. At least one engine and several firefighters remained at the scene overnight while the fire burned out.

The location of the house made fighting the fire difficult at first because of the densely wooded area and the distance of the nearest fire hydrant, which was located across the street.

"It's been abandoned for at least several years," said Battalion Chief John Lecoq, who also reported that no one was injured in the fire and no other structures were involved.

The dual-department response provided more than enough people and equipment to handle the situation despite difficult access to the burning structure, he said.

A fire inspector was on scene and investigating the cause, which was still unknown as of Monday evening.

The blaze drew a large crowd of neighborhood residence and passers-by.

Renton photographer Bruce Hudson was on his way home after a family portrait shoot in Edmonds when he noticed plumes of thick, black smoke billowing over I-405.

"At first we couldn't tell if it was coming from the east or the west side," he said. 

After pulling off the freeway, Hudson saw a building fully-engulfed in flames. He parked, grabbed his camera and ran up the driveway to see if anyone was inside.

At this point, neither fire department had arrived.

"I've been around fires before, but nothing that intense," said Hudson who got within 30 yards of the fire.

Evidence of the blaze stretched as far south as The Landing, where residents noticed the smell of smoke around 10 p.m.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Renton Patch will post more details as they become available.