BELLEVUE, Wash. — Three firefighters were hurt and another person needed medical attention after a fire broke out at an office building in Bellevue, according to media reports.
The blaze struck a building at 14670 N.E. 8th Street, located between 142nd and 148th Avenue N.E., the City of Bellevue confirmed in a social media post. Everyone inside the building got out safely before crews arrived.
Fire Spread From First Floor to Attic
Fire crews arrived at the scene around 11 a.m. and discovered flames on the ground floor that had already climbed to the second floor and into the attic space, Bellevue Fire Department Deputy Chief Doug Halbert said.
By the time firefighters brought the blaze under control, the roof had caved in and fire and water damage had spread through nearly the entire structure, Halbert said. Crews declared the fire fully out at around 12:45 p.m.
Firefighters Taken to Hospital
Three firefighters were hospitalized during the response. Their injuries included heat-related illness, a back injury, and a cut caused by broken glass, officials said.
Roughly six different businesses had operated out of offices in the building.
Nearby Roads Reopen
The fire forced temporary closures on N.E. 8th Street in both directions. Westbound lanes reopened after being shut down, and eastbound lanes reopened around 2 p.m., according to traffic updates.
Investigators have not yet determined what sparked the fire.