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EVERETT, Snohomish County, Wash., Nov. 4, 2026 — A house fire on McDougall Avenue in Everett killed one person and injured another on Monday morning, November 2, according to the Everett Fire Department.
Crews were sent to the 7300 block of McDougall Avenue after neighbors reported smoke and flames coming from the bottom floor of a split-level house. Neighbors also told dispatchers someone was still inside.
Firefighters described "challenging" conditions that complicated the search once they arrived. A man believed to be in his late 30s was found dead inside the home. The homeowner, a woman in her early 60s, suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation and was taken to a hospital.
Fire officials said the woman was upstairs when a working smoke alarm sounded. She tried to reach the man on the lower floor but the fire had grown too large for him to get out. South County Fire and the Mukilteo Fire Department also responded to assist at the scene.
The Everett Fire Marshal's Office is investigating what caused the fire. No additional details have been released.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Accidents in Everett, WA
This incident happened on 7300 McDougall Avenue in Everett, Washington. We cover accidents across Snohomish County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Snohomish County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fire investigation like this usually take?
Fire marshal investigations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how complex the scene is and whether lab testing is needed to pin down a cause.
Why do house fires turn deadly so quickly?
Smoke and heat can fill a home's lower floors fast, cutting off escape routes within minutes. A working smoke alarm, as in this case, can give occupants upstairs time to react even when someone elsewhere in the home cannot get out safely.
What should residents do if they smell smoke or hear an alarm at night?
Get out immediately, stay low to avoid smoke, and call 911 from outside. Firefighters say reporting a fire fast gives crews the best chance of reaching anyone still inside.
