The Renton Regional Fire Authority (Renton RFA) released the department’s incident report for the month of November, reporting a total of 1,651 total incidents in which the department responded to.

Of those 1,651 incidents, Renton RFA only categorized two as “significant incidents.” One of those significant incidents was a fire call and the other was a special operations response.

In their report, Renton RFA described the two significant incidents as follows:

On Nov. 8, Renton RFA responded to a biohazard call on the 900 block of SW Grady Way. Renton RFA responded with Renton Police and Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.

Units responded to the King County Elections Office to reports of an employee opening an envelope that released white powder. Units reportedly arrived at the alarm sounding and the building fully evacuated.

Crews identified three possible patients from exposure to the unknown substance who had been isolated into one area. One unit was assigned to patient care.

The hazmat unit came on scene to investigate the mail room, according to the report. They collected all materials as evidence and turned them over to Renton PD until the arrival of the FBI. The hazmat unit decontaminated the area so occupants could return into the building.

On Nov. 22, Renton RFA responded to a fire at a three-story senior living facility on the 1400 block of Monroe Ave NE. Renton RFA responded with King County Fire District #20, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Bellevue Fire and King County Medic One.

Units arrived on scene to the facility partially evacuated with smoke showing from the ridgeline of the roof at the back left corner of the building.

Upon the initial search, crews reportedly found heavy fire and smoke from an exterior balcony of a third-floor unit. The incident was upgraded to a second-alarm fire.

Firefighters completed a primary search, according to the report, and began their fire attack.

One unit was assigned to the roof for ventilation. KC Medic One set up a medical area and firefighter rehab outside the main entrance. Crews evacuated any residential units directly impacted by the fire or had water damage on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors.

In all, 11 units were affected, and PSE was notified to isolate power to those units, according to the report. The fire was contained to the room of origin, but due to the sprinklers there was water damage in the affected area of the building.

The Red Cross was called to assist displaced residents and the building manager was on scene to help coordinate. Most displaced residents were able to stay with family members and a few moved to the sister facility located in Burien. There were no injuries to any residents.

Fire investigators began their investigation and determined it to be electrical.

In addition to the two significant incidents, Renton RFA also reported seven “Significant Malicious False Alarm Calls” during the month of November.