Apartment fire on Capitol Hill forces building evacuation, sends man to hospital

An apartment fire on Capitol Hill this morning sent one man to the hospital and prompted the evacuation of dozens of others, according to Seattle Fire Department officials.

The fire started inside a second-story apartment in a four-story building at 520 Bellevue Ave. E. shortly before 5:30 a.m., fire department spokeswoman Helen Fitzpatrick said.

The apartment occupant's hair was singed, and he was sent to Harborview Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment, she said.

Heavy black smoke was pouring from the building when firefighters arrived, but the blaze did not spread beyond the apartment where it started. There was heavy smoke damage to other second-story units, and the Red Cross was assisting people who may need another place to stay, Fitzpatrick said.

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com