MONROE — A smoldering attic fire late Wednesday displaced a Monroe family of three.
The fire, reported about 10:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Orr Street, appears to have started because of an electrical problem and likely was burning for hours before the family knew something was wrong, Monroe Fire District spokeswoman Richelle Risdon said.
Despite snow and ice, crews arrived within four minutes, she said. They worked to contain the fire to the roof, bedroom and attic areas.
The people who rent the 1922-vintage home told firefighters they had to reset a circuit breaker several times earlier in the night. They noticed a crackling sound in the attic, recognized the noise as a fire and fled the home, Risdon said.
No one was injured. The family plans to stay with friends. The Snohomish County Red Cross expects to help the family with clothing and any other needs.
Although the fire was ruled an accident, it’s a good idea to have a licensed electrician inspect any problems or circuit breaker issues people may find, Risdon said.
“Overloaded electrical outlets, old wiring, or an electrical short in the wiring can easily start a fire,” she said.
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