EVERETT – Investigators with the Everett Fire Marshal’s office have completed their investigation of a fatal April 1 house fire. The fire’s cause has been declared undetermined.
Crews responded to a fatal house fire at 58th and Wetmore at about 6 a.m. April 1. The house was fully engulfed when crews arrived, but they were able to contain the fire within 30 minutes, stopping it from spreading to an adjacent house.
Two women were found deceased in the home. They were identified by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner as Jennifer R. Saliman, 68, and Virginia M. James, 92.
Investigators later determined that the fire had likely started more than an hour before it was reported; the house did not have working smoke alarms.
“Tragically, most deadly fires happen at night, when people are sleeping,” said Fire Marshal LeRoy McNulty. “Smoke alarms are the most effective tool we have to alert people and give them the best chance of escaping the home.”
The Everett Fire Department, in cooperation with the American Red Cross of Snohomish County, will install smoke alarms for Everett residents at no charge. The program is targeted to low-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
To learn more about the program or to request a smoke alarm, please contact the Fire Marshal’s office: 425-257-8100 or FMO@everettwa.gov. For more information, visit www.everettwa.gov/smokealarms.
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