Fire destroys home east of Lake Stevens

A significant fire occurred on Monday afternoon, destroying a home in the 1500 block of OK Mill Road near Lake Stevens. The fire ignited in the living room around 3:30 p. m. , allowing all seven residents to evacuate without injuries. Firefighters arrived to find flames shooting out of a window and heavy smoke inside the house.

Complicated by the nearest fire hydrant being over a mile away, crews had to deploy a water tender and pull a half mile of hose to combat the flames. Despite initial efforts to save the property, the fire's intensity led to an evacuation order for safety. The age of the home, built nearly a century ago, contributed to the challenges faced by firefighters. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire, while the Red Cross has been dispatched to assist the displaced residents. This incident highlights the difficulties emergency responders encounter with older structures and the need for accessible firefighting resources.