Fire crews rushed to an underground vault fire at 6th Ave S and S Andover St in south Seattle early Friday, prompting officials to urge drivers and pedestrians to steer clear while firefighters worked the scene. Emergency units remained in the area as crews checked for hazards, and as of the initial alert, authorities had not released details on injuries, evacuations or possible utility disruptions. This story will be updated as officials share more information.
Seattle Fire posts brief notice
The Seattle Fire Department put out an early heads-up on X, writing that “Firefighters are on scene for reports of an underground vault fire at 6th Ave. S. & S Andover St. Please avoid the area.” The Seattle Fire Department post was the first official word and did not include a cause, any information on injuries or an estimate for when the intersection might reopen. Crews stayed on site to check for dangers and keep the perimeter secured.
Why vault fires are tricky
Underground vault fires involve live electrical equipment packed into tight spaces, which makes both firefighting and repairs more complicated than your average street-corner blaze. Seattle’s Energy Response Unit carries carbon dioxide systems and other specialized tools designed to flood these vaults and smother flames, a tactic described in the department’s emergency materials. The City of Seattle’s emergency plan also notes that vault fires remain a recurring weak spot in the power grid, and that the city has logged multiple similar incidents in recent years.
Past incidents show what might happen
Earlier underground vault fires in Seattle have cut power to thousands of customers and forced utilities to shut down electrical feeders while crews isolated damaged equipment. In one south Seattle incident in November 2025, more than 11,000 customers initially lost electricity before service was restored, a reminder of how large these outages can get. FireLine’s account of previous vault responses also describes evacuations and air monitoring when gas or heavy smoke was detected.
How to get verified updates
Anyone who lives or works nearby should avoid the area for now and stick to official channels for updates. Check the Seattle Fire Department’s alerts and Seattle City Light’s outage page for the latest on power restoration and safety guidance, and call 9-1-1 to report immediate hazards such as downed lines. Seattle City Light’s outage page also lists the utility’s reporting hotline and provides an online map that shows current outages.
