On April 8th, 2004, at approximately 6:57 P.M., the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire on the exterior of an apartment complex, at the Highland Meadows apartment complex, at 2238 West Gregg Road.
Police officers responding to the scene reported heavy smoke from approximately two miles away. The first arriving engine company, Engine 31, encountered a heavily involved apartment building, with fire in the top two floors, and attic area. Engine 31 began to knock down the blaze with a water cannon, and hand lines.
The initial response was met with two district fire stations, which included 2 engine companies, 2 aerial trucks, a rescue squad, and asst. chief.
Shortly after the initial response, a second alarm was sounded, which included an additional 2 engine companies, and a utility truck. A fire investigator also responded to the scene.
In addition to fire suppression, police, and fire personnel began evacuating adjoining apartment buildings. The apartment building sustained major damage, and all occupants escaped unharmed. The Red Cross responded to the scene, and offered assistance to all residents, and firefighters.
Witnesses reported that the fire had started on the exterior of a second level apartment. The fire investigator determined the cause of the fire to be careless use of smoking materials, which ignited a plastic plant pot, and then quickly spread through the upper levels of the building.
