EVERETT, WA – Shortly after noon today, Everett Fire was dispatched to a report of a fire at the Hearthstone Apartments located at 1901 Merrill Creek Parkway. The fire was confined to a balcony on the fourth floor of the “M” building, and crews were able to extinguish it quickly.

Neighboring agencies, South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue and Mukilteo Fire, responded to assist. The cause of the fire was determined to be a cigarette discarded into dried potting soil, which ignited the vinyl siding and some ordinary combustibles. No injuries were reported and the estimated property loss at this time is $35,000.

Community members who smoke are reminded to please use a non-combustible can or ashtray for extinguishment. Learn more about fire prevention at www.everettwa.gov/fire.