Investigators: 'First Hill apartment fire considered an accident' | 911

A fire that tore through the basement of an apartment along the 700 block of 15th Ave. is being called an accident.

Fire investigators say 'improperly discarded smoking materials' left in a couch are to blame for the fire inside the 3-story home.

Firefighters were called to the scene around 11:15p.m. Friday. When they arrived they found flames shooting from the basement of the building.

Two people were take to Harborview Medical Center for minor injuries.

Firefighters say damage to the building totals roughly $50,000 plus an additional $20,000 in lost personal belongings.

The Red Cross responded to the fire and is helping the 16 people displaced find shelter, food, and clothing.