Investigators are working to determine what caused a house fire that left a man dead and a woman injured in central Everett on Monday, Nov. 2.
The man, believed to be in his late 30s, was found dead inside a split-level home in the 7300 block of McDougall Avenue, the Everett Fire Department said.
A woman in her early 60s suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation. South County Fire paramedics took her to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
A working smoke alarm alerted the homeowner, who was upstairs when the fire broke out, according to preliminary information released by the department.
She tried to reach the man but could not get to him because of the intense fire conditions. The fire had already grown enough to prevent him from escaping, the department said.
Multiple people called 911 to report smoke and flames coming from the home. Initial reports indicated someone was still inside.
The first engine arrived about 2½ minutes after dispatch. Firefighters found an active fire on the lower level and entered to fight the flames and search for the occupant.
Difficult conditions inside complicated those efforts, and crews found the man dead, the department said.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 20 minutes. They remained at the home to extinguish hot spots and check whether flames had spread before moving to cleanup and inspection work.
Social workers from the city’s CARE team met with family members to provide support and resources. The team was also coordinating with the American Red Cross about additional assistance for residents.
The department urged residents to install smoke alarms inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of their homes, and to test them monthly.
Officials also encouraged families to practice escape plans, identify two ways out of each room when possible, and keep exits clear.
Anyone who discovers a fire should leave immediately, close doors behind them if possible and call 911 from outside, the department said. Residents should never reenter a burning building.
The Everett Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s origin and cause.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the man’s official identity and the cause and manner of his death.
