Multiple departments responded to a second-alarm fire in an apartment complex near Renton Municipal Airport on Dec. 31.

Renton Regional Fire Authority spokesperson Sara Morris said units were dispatched to a commercial fire at the Sky Lanai apartments on the 300 block of Taylor Avenue at around 7:53 a.m.

“As crews were in en route, they saw a thermal column of smoke and immediately upgraded the fire to a working fire,” Morris said in an email to the Renton Reporter.

Morris said dispatch reported that the fire started on the third floor of the complex and was spreading to the hallway and other apartments. Shortly after, the fire was upgraded to a “second alarm,” meaning additional resources were requested.

According to Morris, crews used the aerial ladder as well as multiple engine units to fight the blaze. Once crews were able to suppress the fire, firefighters were able to make way into the units and put out the remaining fire.

Crews rescued two cats from one of the units who were transferred to medics to be evaluated. Renton Animal Control was also requested to the scene for assistance. According to a Facebook update from King County Fire District 20, one of the responding departments, one cat did not make it out of the fire.

No residents or firefighters were injured. American Red Cross arrived to assist residents that were displaced by the fire. It was reported that at least 12 residents were displaced from their apartments — 11 adults and one child.

Seven units were affected, according to Morris. Three were damaged due to fire and four were damaged due to water. The fire was determined to be accidentally started in the kitchen in one of the units.

A cat rescued from the building is assisted. (Screenshot from King County Fire District 20 Facebook post)