The three-alarm fire in a Fremont apartment building earlier this month displaced residents from all 12 units, and community members are fundraising to help some residents recoup losses.
The fire broke out on July 16 in the 100 block of N 45th St on the border of Fremont and Ballard. There were no injuries, but Seattle Fire said all 12 units were deemed uninhabitable after the fire.
Families of the affected residents have launched GoFundMe campaigns to help them recover.
One of the residents, Reese, managed to escape the fire in his flip-flops with only the clothes he was wearing and his two cats. Reese’s brother Jesse launched a GoFundMe for Reese with a goal of $16,000. So far, the campaign has raised $11,955 from 86 donors.
“Reese and his cats are safe, but they have nowhere to live and have lost all their possessions—clothes, computer, TV, books, kitchen equipment, and more. The loss has been overwhelming, especially since Reese did not have renters insurance and couldn’t afford it, making it impossible for him to recover what was lost on his own,” Jesse wrote.
Another resident, Malina, is a college student who lost her belongings and home in the fire.
“The fire, water damage from the response efforts, and the roof caving in destroyed her belongings and left her without a place to live,” Malina’s sister Jannavie wrote in the campaign, which she launched for Malina.
The GoFundMe for Malina has a goal is $11,000, and so far, has raised $6,860 from 51 donors.
“It all happened so fast, the fire, losing my home, and then the incredible outpouring of support. Everything moved so quickly that I rarely had time to feel the effects of the devastating aftermath for very much longer before I was met with so much kindness,” Malina wrote.
Jannavie says the money will help her secure a new apartment and rebuild her life by replacing essential belongings, clothing, and school-related needs.
“Any amount helps, and if you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us. Thank you for supporting my sister and helping her begin again,” Jannavie wrote.
“While I’m still mourning that space, your generosity has given me something just as meaningful: hope. Because of all of you, the dread and uncertainty I felt have been met with comfort, healing, and the reassurance that I’m going to be okay,” Malina wrote.
Seattle Fire is still investigating the cause of the fire, which they say they found in the attic void space above the third floor. According to SFD, the fire spread through the attic space and affected all third-floor apartment units. The building was evacuated, and crews completed a primary search to ensure all residents had safely exited.
SFD says the Red Cross is also assisting the displaced residents.
Photo: John Odegard