Firefighters rescue dozens from Mountlake Terrace apartment blaze

Late-night fire forces evacuation of 12 units, sends 2 to hospital

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive plume of smoke rising from a distant, obscured apartment building, conveying the overwhelming power and scale of the fire through dramatic lighting and deep perspective.The dramatic scale of the Mountlake Terrace apartment fire underscores the critical role of firefighters in protecting lives and property during emergencies.Seattle Today

Firefighters in Mountlake Terrace, Washington responded to a 2-alarm fire at a three-story apartment building early Sunday morning, rescuing 24 adults, 1 child, and 15 pets from the burning structure. Two residents were transported to the hospital and one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

Why it matters

Apartment fires pose a serious threat to public safety, especially in densely populated areas. This incident highlights the critical role of first responders in protecting lives and property during emergencies, as well as the need for fire safety measures in multi-unit residential buildings.

The details

The fire broke out just after midnight on Sunday at the apartment building on 236th Street SW. Firefighters arrived to find two people trapped on the third floor, and were able to rescue them using a ladder. Additional firefighters were called in to battle the growing blaze, which had spread to 12 apartments. It took over two hours for crews to extinguish the fire and address hot spots to prevent reignition.

  • The fire was reported just after midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Firefighters arrived on the scene and rescued two people from the third floor within the first few minutes.
  • It took over two hours for crews to fully extinguish the fire and secure the building.

The players

South County Fire Department

The fire department that responded to and battled the blaze at the Mountlake Terrace apartment building.

Two residents

A man and woman in their 20s who were rescued from the third floor of the burning apartment building and transported to the hospital.

One firefighter

A firefighter who suffered a minor injury while fighting the fire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The American Red Cross is working with the 24 adults, 1 child, and 15 pets displaced by the fire to provide temporary housing and other assistance as they transition to new homes.

The takeaway

This fire serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in multi-unit residential buildings, as well as the heroic efforts of firefighters who risk their own safety to protect their communities during emergencies.