When I got home tonight I was surprised to see four firefighters running around the side and behind the building I live in. As I made my way to the back entrance I saw why. One of the dumpsters behind my building was on fire. Well, not just on fire – ablaze.

I was worried that the flames, which from what I could see went as high as a few feet above the top of the dumpster, would reach the tree branches above. The good news is the firefighters were able to put the fire out almost immediately and no one was hurt. My photos of the flames didn’t turn out as it’s so dark outside, but I did snap a picture of the wreckage. The dumpster on the right was totally destroyed, and the wall to the left, where it usually rests, received some relatively minimal damage. Luckily.

As I witnessed tonight, fires can start extremely fast, and if not found immediately, can spread. No one knows exactly how the fire started, though several in the building suspect a still-lit cigarette was tossed in accidentally. Still, if a few residents hadn’t noticed the flames – one of my neighbors opened her curtains to see fire the entire length of her window – this fire could have easily spread. So, neighbors, please be cautious this winter. Here on Queen Anne we have lots of trees, and very old electrical systems (being the oldest neighborhood in the city and all). Stock up on space heaters and candles, but remember not to leave them unattended, and make sure your holiday decorations are fire safe.