Snohomish County Fire District 7 said it was dispatched to a residence in the city of Monroe at about 11 a.m. yesterday after a neighbor reported seeing smoke coming from the building. The homeowners have not been identified. The child did not need hospital treatment, KING5 reported.
Fire officials confirmed officers from the local police department were first to arrive at the scene, and had been informed there was one child still in the house.
Officers entered the home and closed a door to the bedroom where the fire was located, before exiting. There had been no sign of any child during the initial sweep.
Shortly after, fire crews arrived at the home, at the 16500 block of 154th Street, and entered with a hose line—trying to calm the flames and conduct a property search.
Officials said one team—Medic 31—discovered the child was inside a closed toy trunk at the end of the bed in an adjacent bedroom. They grabbed the young girl and brought her outside to safety.
The child was given an evaluation by paramedics but did not require further medical assistance. Police officers who first responded were evaluated and found to be uninjured. Their response after entering the home was lauded by Snohomish County Fire District in a release on its website.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the quick thinking of the police officers by closing the bedroom door, firefighters were able to contain the fire to the bedroom and extinguish the flames.
“Snohomish County Fire District 7 wants to remind citizens of the importance of creating a home fire escape plan and practicing with everyone living in your home. Further, closing doors during a fire and sleeping with your bedroom door closed at night has been proven to save lives.”
In a statement, Monroe Police Department wrote: “Officers with quick thinking allows Snohomish County Fire District 7 firefighters to rescue the five year old, teamwork at its finest.”
The fire department shared photos taken at the scene, including one indicating the fire had started in a bedroom. A second photo showed the toy trunk the child was found hiding inside.
A fire department social media post about the rescue was praised by dozens of commenters, and has been shared hundreds of times. Officials have not yet commented on the condition of the child’s parents or guardians. Snohomish County Fire District has been contacted for more information.
