A fire on Monday, Dec. 22, that started inside a garage attached to a two-story home caused approximately $200,000.00 damage to the structure and contents. No one was injured in the fire and the family dog “Kate” escaped and was reunited with her family safe and sound few hours later.

At approximately 4:55 p.m., units from the Bellevue Fire Department were dispatched to a fully involved garage fire with reported “multiple explosions” in the 16100 block of Southeast 45th Street. Early reports stated that the homeowner had attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher and garden hose unsuccessfully and that everyone was out of the home.

Engine 2 from the Eastgate area arrived on scene discovering a very steep, long and narrow driveway. Crews initially attacked the fire from the exterior until additional crews were on scene and an interior attack knocked down the remaining active fire. Additional crew members began the work of preserving personal items and memorabilia from the effected portions of the home.

Investigators were working with the home owner to define where within the garage the fire had originated and what the source of ignition may have been.

Fire companies from Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland and Eastside Fire and Rescue assisted in suppression operations. Bellevue Police assisted with traffic control and scene security.