A 3-alarm fire raged in the Seattle neighborhood of Greenwood, destroying several businesses in the center of the neighborhood — the same neighborhood where an arsonist has struck four times before. An army of reporters and helicopters from the local media responded to the story.

Next Door Media’s PhinneyWood.com, which covers Greenwood and Phinney Ridge, was on the story soon after firefighters arrived, leading the local media in online coverage. Armed with a still camera, Flip video camera, an iPhone and an avalanche of community tips, PhinneyWood posted up-to-the-minute updates from the scene, compelling photos and video, and personal stories from business owners and neighbors. In the first 24 hours alone, PhinneyWood posted 8 pages of coverage and a steady stream of Tweets. Our editorial partner, SeattleTimes.com, linked PhinneyWood’s coverage throughout the day.

“Phinneywood ROCKS!!!” wrote one neighbor in comments. “What tremendous news coverage! It is just amazing to have such immediate and accurate coverage right as the event is happening, even at this time of the morning.” Wrote another, “You guys are doing the best coverage in town, and you don’t even have newscopters. Be proud.”

Next Door Media’s focus on community-powered journalism, edited by experienced journalists, is a clear differentiator when the big story breaks.