Another vacant house fire in Seattle. Is the city using its derelict building ordinance?

A fire erupted once again in a vacant building on S. Walker St. in Seattle's Atlantic neighborhood, marking the second blaze at this site in just five weeks. The Seattle Fire Department has seen a significant rise in vacant building fires, with 51 incidents reported in 2024, up from 61 in 2023. In response to this alarming trend, the city enacted an ordinance in June 2024 that allows for emergency demolition of dangerous structures, resulting in 33 properties being removed from the watch list.

Despite these efforts, as of February 20, 2025, 122 hazardous buildings remain under scrutiny, many of which have a history of fire code violations. Local residents are increasingly concerned about the safety risks posed by these abandoned properties, with some calling for quicker action from the city. The Chromer Building, another property on the watch list, remains boarded up and vandalized, illustrating the challenges of maintaining oversight. The community's frustration is palpable, as they demand a more effective response to ensure public safety. With the potential for serious harm or loss of life, it is imperative that the city accelerates its demolition processes.