Fire blotter: Van engulfed in flames

Published 10:08 am Friday, March 20, 2026

The Valley Regional Fire Authority responded to the following calls for service between March 9 and March 15 among many others.

March 9

Service call: 12:47 p.m. (Auburn). Responding to complaints of a smoky odor in a laundry room, firefighters first confirmed the smell was coming from the furnace, and then determined the unit required cleaning and maintenance. Crews turned off the furnace, and the homeowner agreed to arrange for service.

March 10

Service call: 3:04 p.m. (Auburn). Firefighters were conducting a hose drill in an Auburn neighborhood when they noticed water rushing from the garage of a nearby house. Upon investigation, firefighters discovered that a residential sprinkler system had sprung a significant leak, so they contacted the owners, who were unaware of the issue, and helped them shut off the water supply.

March 11

Service call: (Auburn). Firefighters responded to a downed tree blocking West Valley Highway after a wind event by temporarily closing the roadway and removing the tree branches to clear the hazard. Personnel then notified the city’s public works department, which disposed of the remaining debris.

March 12

Car fire: 3:30 p.m. (Auburn). Responding to a two-vehicle collision on a local highway, firefighters found one unoccupied van fully involved in flames and the driver tucked safely inside a Washington State Patrol vehicle. Firefighters then extinguished the fire and evaluated those involved for injuries. No serious injuries were reported, and the Washington State Patrol remained on scene to investigate.

March 13

Aid call: 8:55 a.m. (Auburn). Firefighters responded to a woman who had given birth while she was being driven to a hospital. Firefighters evaluated both mother and newborn on scene. King County Medic One paramedics transported them to a local hospital as a precaution.

March 14

Minor fire: 7:54 p.m. (Auburn). Firefighters responded to reports of smoke coming from the basement of a single-family residence, and learned from the occupants that a dryer had caught fire, filling the home with smoke. Crews contained the fire to the dryer and ventilated the structure. No injuries were reported.

March 15

Accident: 1:41 p.m. (South Auburn). Firefighters evaluated the driver of a motor-vehicle who had been involved in a collision and found a bump on his forehead. The man opted for a private vehicle to transport him to a local hospital for further care.