Man dies in Crown Hill apartment fire
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SEATTLE -- One man died Tuesday night when fire tore through his Crown Hill apartment, but residents in the apartment complex say a complete stranger kept the incident from becoming an even bigger tragedy.
The fire started sometime after 7:30 p.m. in a second story apartment near the corner of 12th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 85th Street, according to Kyle Moore of the Seattle Fire Department.
When fire crews arrived on scene, they found an adult man dead on a hide-a-bed inside the apartment. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire before it spread to any of the other 32 units in the complex.
Crews are checking the building for fire, smoke or water damage, but Moore said he expects tenants to be back inside sometime Tuesday night.
After the fire was out, neighbors were quick recognize Harry Nettleton -- a complete stranger -- for his actions.
Nettleton and his dad were driving in the area when they saw the flames and smoke pouring out of the complex.
"I parked over here and ran across the street and up the doors and up the stairs," Nettleton said.
Once inside the smoke-filled building, Nettleton pulled the emergency device before alerting others in the complex to get out.
"They were just in a panic and crying and just said, 'Thank you,' and I walked them down here to the street and about that time I could hear sirens in the distance," he said.
The fire started sometime after 7:30 p.m. in a second story apartment near the corner of 12th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 85th Street, according to Kyle Moore of the Seattle Fire Department.
When fire crews arrived on scene, they found an adult man dead on a hide-a-bed inside the apartment. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire before it spread to any of the other 32 units in the complex.
Crews are checking the building for fire, smoke or water damage, but Moore said he expects tenants to be back inside sometime Tuesday night.
After the fire was out, neighbors were quick recognize Harry Nettleton -- a complete stranger -- for his actions.
Nettleton and his dad were driving in the area when they saw the flames and smoke pouring out of the complex.
"I parked over here and ran across the street and up the doors and up the stairs," Nettleton said.
Once inside the smoke-filled building, Nettleton pulled the emergency device before alerting others in the complex to get out.
"They were just in a panic and crying and just said, 'Thank you,' and I walked them down here to the street and about that time I could hear sirens in the distance," he said.
I knew this man, I went to high school with him. He was very kind and full of life. Just a few hours prior he had posted on his facebook page that he had lost power and was using candlelight. It seems odd because power was not out in the area or building. That post had several typos, almost unreadable, which was very different from his normal posts. Then a few minutes later he posted another update totally correct spelling saying that he was still looking forward to flying out to see his family the next morning. Â Very sad loss and curious as to what really happened.
I live here, next door to the man who didn't make it. He was a really nice man and we are so sad for his family and every one concerned. I want you al to know that Harry is a true hero. He ran into a smoke filled burning building. He tried to get to our neighbor but was unable to. Thankfully he did not get hurt helping others. Then he ran around alerting people and helping them get out. Please keep him in your prayers as he deserves a great blessing in his life. There is no way to repay someone for such a brave act, but I want the world to know that last night I looked into the eyes of a truly great human being.
Praise God for our local Hero and Friend Harry Nettleton and Condolences to the Mans Family that lost his life!
Condolences to the man lost in the fire. And kudos to the hero that helped everyone get out. Â I truly can't understand how people perish in fires during the day, or early evening. You would think that at 7pm at night, you'd notice the fire right away, and head to your balcony or door. Â
 @DT we don't know all the facts, he could have had a heart attack, seizure, or something... still a tragedy. http://www.phinneywood.com/
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Moore said firefighters found a man, who neighbors say was in his 40s, dead on a pull-out couch. His body was burned, but the King County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
So sad. I listened to this come down, and the SFD did an amazing job, getting water on the fire in minutes after the original call as well as containing it to the 1 unit. Unfortunately though, the guy didn't make it out.
 @Troglidite I agree... was at a coffee shop when all the firetrucks and cops drove by and listened on the scanner and I must commend the SFD and the SPD for swift response and taking care of this- and KUDOS for people getting involved. I heart goes out to the man who didnt make it and his family and friends, as well as his neighbors.