Red Cross Aiding 51 Displaced by Everett Apartment Fire

No fatalities reported, smoke alarms credited with saving lives

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fire at the Centrepointe Apartments in Everett, Washington has displaced 51 people, including around half who are children. The Red Cross is providing housing, meals, and other essentials, with up to 25 residents needing temporary shelter. Officials say no one was killed and that working smoke alarms saved lives.

Why it matters

Apartment fires can have devastating impacts on communities, especially when children are involved. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety measures like smoke alarms, as well as the vital role organizations like the Red Cross play in supporting displaced residents during emergencies.

The details

The fire broke out around 4 a.m. on Monday in a unit below Abdoul Williams' apartment. Williams, an accountant pursuing his CPA license, was able to grab his diploma, passport, and other important documents before fleeing down three flights of stairs through thick smoke. His apartment was destroyed, but some of his accounting books were surprisingly spared. The Red Cross has stepped in to provide housing, meals, and other necessities to the 51 displaced residents, around half of whom are children.

  • The fire broke out around 4 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Abdoul Williams

An accountant pursuing his CPA license whose apartment was destroyed in the fire.

Red Cross

A humanitarian organization providing housing, meals, and other essentials to the 51 displaced residents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was in a deep sleep. I was kind of gobsmacked.”

— Abdoul Williams, Resident

“This is the first time I've responded where we've had this many units and people who were displaced.”

— Vonita Francisco, Red Cross Volunteer, Disaster Action Team Supervisor

“All responses are urgent. However, having kids does add to the stakes, because you have to consider that they can't go back to school, not only for today. Do they have enough to eat? Also, are they safe in the general area as we try to figure out the response?”

— Hope Maozwa

What’s next

The Red Cross is continuing to assess the needs of the displaced residents and provide them with housing, meals, and other essential support.

The takeaway

This apartment fire highlights the importance of fire safety measures like working smoke alarms, as well as the critical role organizations like the Red Cross play in supporting communities during emergencies. The impact on children is particularly concerning, underscoring the need for comprehensive disaster response efforts.