Everett principal’s house burns down south of Granite Falls
Published 3:20 pm Monday, January 8, 2024
SNOHOMISH — An Everett high school principal’s house burned down Sunday morning near Granite Falls.
Now, supporters are raising money to help Sequoia High School Principal Belinda Mountjoy.
Around 8:30 a.m., firefighters responded to reports of a house fire in the 4900 block of Lerch Road, about 3½ miles south of Granite Falls, District 17 Assistant Fire Chief Bill Dane said. A witness thought they spotted a fire on the other side of Lake Bosworth, but the house was surrounded by fog and it was hard to discern what was happening.
By the time fire crews arrived, part of the house had already collapsed, Dane said. With help from neighboring departments, it took 75 minutes for firefighters to contain the fire.
The house was destroyed. Two cats and a dog died in the fire, Dane said. No one was injured and there was no damage to neighboring houses.
The house was owned by Mountjoy, according to the department. She was away at the time of the fire.
Investigators believe a wood-burning stove may have caused the fire, Dane said. Fire marshals also believed there could have been an issue with an electrical power strip.
Mountjoy was displaced and had arrangements to stay elsewhere, Dane said. She has been a principal since July 2022. Sequoia is an alternative high school in Everett Public Schools, with about 140 students.
“The district is supporting Principal Mountjoy, surrounding her with care and support during this difficult time,” the school district wrote. “… This is a private matter, and she is taking time to grieve and navigate next steps.”
An online fundraiser started by Mountjoy’s friends raised about $8,200 in less than a day.
“This is all very overwhelming as she regroups and grieves this loss,” friends Betsy and Rick Monroe wrote. “We love you, MJ, and as a community we will stand by you and support you through this tragedy.”
Jonathan Tall: 425-339-3486; jonathan.tall@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @snocojon.
