Fire forces family of 8 out of Marysville home

Published 10:56 pm Friday, January 22, 2010

A fire Friday afternoon caused about $50,000 damage and displaced a family of eight.

The blaze erupted about 1:15 p.m. in the 100 block of 55 Avenue NW, Marysville Fire District spokeswoman Kristen Thorstenson said.

Firefighters from Marysville and Tulalip Bay found a mattress on fire in a bedroom, she said. They were able to keep the fire contained, but smoke damage forced the family to find another place to stay.

Two pet birds died in the fire, while a cat escaped unharmed.

No firefighters or other people were injured, Thorstenson said.

One working smoke alarm was heard. Fire safety officials advise homeowners to keep a smoke alarm in every room where people sleep.

The Snohomish County Red Cross was helping the family of four adults and four children. The family reportedly did not have insurance.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.