Mill Creek, Wash. – Snohomish County Fire District 7 was dispatched to an apartment fire just before 12:30 a.m. in the 1100 block of 156th Place SE. A neighbor called 911 reporting there were flames visible inside a first floor window.

The neighbor and his son quickly worked to evacuate the three-story apartment building and used a fire extinguisher on the flames, limiting the fire’s growth. Crews were able to completely extinguish the fire in minutes.

Damage was contained to the one apartment which was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The neighbor was treated for minor smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

More than 20 firefighters responded from Fire District 7 and Fire District 1. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire District 7 would like to remind everyone to follow these recommendations for smoke alarms:
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.