Retirement home fire called accident

SEATTLE – A fire that killed one resident at a north Seattle retirement home was accidental, fire officials said.

The three-alarm fire at the Four Freedoms retirement home started Sunday on a stove in the 310-unit, seven-story building, Seattle Fire spokeswoman Helen Fitzpatrick said. Damage was estimated at $800,000.

Eight other residents had to be taken to the hospital Sunday. Most of the injured suffered from “shortness-of-breath-type symptoms,” Fitzpatrick said.

Residents of the sixth and seventh floors were not allowed to return to their homes due to fire damage, and the Red Cross was called in to help approximately 80 people find alternative shelter.