MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Authorities investigating if trash fire at Franklin High School was intentionally set

Nov 14, 2025, 4:42 PM

seattle firefighters budget union...

Closeup of the Seattle Fire Department insignia on an emergency response vehicle. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

The Seattle Fire Department responded to an active fire at Franklin High School Friday afternoon.

The 911 call came in just after 1 p.m. for a trash fire in a second-floor bathroom. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. No one was injured, but the smoke spread throughout the building.

“It is an old school with an old ventilation system, so we dispatched our mobile ventilation unit. They have a giant fan, and they were able to ventilate the building to help remove the carbon monoxide buildup and the smoke,” Seattle Fire Department spokesman David Cuerpo said.

Authorities investigating fire at Franklin High School

Investigators are trying to determine whether the fire was intentionally set. They are checking the school’s surveillance cameras to figure out who is responsible.

Franklin has more than 1,000 students. It is unclear if the school was evacuated, and/or whether classes were cancelled because of the fire.

We contacted Franklin High and Seattle Public Schools, but so far, we have not heard back.

Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

USDOT Bellingham roads...

KIRO 7 News Staff

USDOT awards over $7 million to Bellingham, Swinomish, Island County to improve road conditions

The USDOT announced Friday they have secured over $7 million to help road conditions in Bellingham, the Swinomish Tribe, and Island County area.

44 minutes ago

Longview paper mill...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longview paper mill fined $77,800 after worker nearly engulfed in hot pulp

The Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview faces $77,800 in state fines after a worker waded through hot pulp to shut off a valve and fell into a sinkhole.

1 hour ago

Thurston County police chase...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Wanted suspect in custody after police activity closes I-5 lanes near Lewis-Thurston County line

A wanted suspect is in custody after leading Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Thurston County deputies on a chase “back and forth” over the Thurston County and Lewis County line Sunday, Nov. 1.

3 hours ago

CID Wing Luke Museum house restoration...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Eng family home restored by museum offers glimpse into 1930s life in CID

A family in the Chinatown International District (CID) donated their home to the Wing Luke Museum, which carefully restored it and opened it for tours.

3 hours ago

I-5 Express Lanes remain northbound...

Chris Sullivan

I-5 express lanes reopen southbound after delays caused by signals issue

Even though Revive I-5 finished-up Sunday night and all lanes of northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge opened earlier than expected, the express lanes did not return to normal.

3 hours ago

Bear Creek Trail...

James Lynch

$50,000 reward offered as investigators seek footage in Bear Creek Trail stabbing

Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is asking the public for information about the stabbing of a 57-year-old woman on Redmond’s Bear Creek Trail.

4 hours ago

Authorities investigating if trash fire at Franklin High School was intentionally set