Fatal Everett House Fire

Two people died in a house fire in north Everett on Sunday morning after firefighters found them inside the home during a search. (everettwa.gov) Everett Fire said multiple callers reported smoke coming from a house in the 3800 block of Wetmore Avenue in the Port Gardner neighborhood at about 8 a.m. Sunday, April 12. Crews arrived just over one minute after dispatch and found an active fire in the residence. (everettwa.gov) Firefighters entered the house to fight the fire and search for occupants, then found a man and a woman believed to be in their 70s. Emergency medical crews began lifesaving efforts, but both were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Everett Fire. (everettwa.gov) The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes, but investigators have not released a cause. The Everett Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the origin and cause, while Everett police are handling the death investigation, which the city said is standard procedure. (everettwa.gov) The names of the two people have not been released. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner is responsible for confirming their identities and determining the cause and manner of death. (everettwa.gov) That process can take time even after an autopsy. Snohomish County says death certificates can initially list a cause as pending, and final determinations can take two to three months when more investigation or toxicology testing is needed. (snohomishcountywa.gov) The county medical examiner also said its public decedent list is paused until late April, which may delay when the case appears in routine public postings. (snohomishcountywa.gov) Everett Fire used the announcement to urge residents to maintain working smoke alarms and said the department offers free smoke-alarm installation for seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities. The department serves Everett from six fire stations. (everettwa.gov 1) (everettwa.gov 2)