The Seattle Fire Department has determined that a clogged trash chute was the source of a fire that forced the evacuation of dozens of people from a high-rise.
Evacuated residents at Addison on Fourth said they have complained for several days that the landlord failed to clear the chute.
“This is just not healthy for anyone to live in this condition,” said Heidi Merritt, a resident who evacuated the building on Tuesday afternoon.
Merritt said the building had garbage piling up in stairwells, abandoned couches laying around and needles littering the halls.
“It was sick, disgusting,” said Marian Rhodes, who lives down the hall from Merritt.
Addison on Fourth is home for many people who receive vouchers from the Seattle Housing Authority. Seattle Housing Authority said it provides vouchers for tenants but does not manage the property.