Fire destroys Monroe apartment building

MONROE — Nearly three dozen residents survived a fire early Sunday morning that destroyed an apartment building.

Monroe Fire District and Monroe Police Department crews responded to the fire at 1:50 a.m. in the 100 block of West Hill Street.

Smoke and flames were visible from two floors of the three-story apartment building when crews arrived, said Debbie Willis, a Monroe police spokeswoman.

No injuries were reported but the loss of the 16-unit apartment building is estimated at $450,000, Willis said.

A temporary shelter has been set up for the apartment residents by the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The organization also is providing food and clothing to those who were displaced by the fire.

As of Sunday night, 15 residents were at the shelter, said Jeanne Hanson, a spokeswoman with the American Red Cross.

“We’re helping all the residents that have been displaced by the fire,” she said. “Some have been able to find emergency housing with friends and family.”

Willis said the fire appeared to have started in a ground floor apartment and the cause is under investigation by the Monroe Police Department.

Hill Street will be closed from Lewis Street to Blakely Street during the investigation. Fire crews from Clearview, Duvall, Gold Bar, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Snohomish, Sultan and Woodinville helped to put out the fire. Monetary donations to help the victims of the fire can be made at the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 2530 Lombard Ave. in Everett or by calling the chapter at 425-252-4103.