Seattle - Earlier this evening around 5:43 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department's Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke and flames coming from the exterior staircase of a home at the 6500 block of 52nd Ave. N.E. in the View Ridge neighborhood. Crews from Engine 38 were first on scene and reported that a fire in charcoal grill extended to the north wall of the home and breached inside. Firefighters worked quickly to knock down the fire but soon realized that it extended into the walls, then up into the second floor and attic. Fortunately, the resident was able to evacuate to safety as more units arrived to put out the fire.

Firefighters rescued the resident's cat while completing a primary search of the home while additional firefighters worked together gain access to the fire by cutting through walls and establishing ventilation. They were able to knock down the fire by 6:08 p.m. but continued to check for extension and put out hot spots. Firefighters complete a more through search of the home by 6:28 p.m. to confirm no other occupants were inside.

At 8:29 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished though a unit will remain on scene to monitor for flare ups. No injuries were reported and the incident is under investigation.

Safety tip: When using a grill, make sure it is at least ten feet away from the building and not in an enclosed space. Read more.