The Fire Alarm Center of the Seattle Fire Department received 911 calls reporting a car colliding into a commercial building on the 700 block of S. Michigan St. Callers also reported that the collision caused the engine bay of the vehicle to catch fire, which quickly spread into the building.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw flames coming from both the vehicle and the impacted area of the building. They searched the vehicle for anyone inside and then quickly poured water on the fire to put it out.
Officers from the Seattle Police Department informed our incoming units that they had apprehended the driver, who had allegedly fled the scene while attempting to harm himself.
While firefighters worked to put out the fire and search the building, paramedics treated the driver/patient, a 35-year-old male in stable condition. He was then taken to Harborview Medical Center for further evaluation by paramedics.
Crews were able to extinguish the fire and complete a primary search of the building by 7:11 a.m., confirming that no one was inside. Investigators with the Seattle Fire Department believe the fire was started by a person in distress. The loss is estimated at $185,000. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections was asked to conduct an assessment of the building to determine whether it was safe to reoccupy.