Authorities are actively investigating a concerning series of arsons that have occurred in south Seattle, specifically targeting the Mt. Baker and Columbia City neighborhoods.
Since July 26, the Seattle Fire Department has responded to five early-morning fires believed to be intentionally set.
The first incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on July 26, when firefighters arrived at a residence under construction in the 2000 block of 19th Avenue South. The blaze caused an estimated property damage of $20,000 and was later ruled to have been intentionally set.
The following fires escalated on July 30, when around 3:45 a.m. fire crews responded to a structural fire at the Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory located in the 4500 block of Rainier Avenue South. Miraculously, there were no injuries reported, but the estimated damage was significant at $300,000, and this incident too was categorized as arson.
Shortly after, at approximately 4:20 a.m. on the same day, firefighters tackled another fire at a residence under construction in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street, with damages estimated at $50,000. Investigators determined this blaze was also intentionally started.
A third fire was reported at around 6:40 a.m. in the same vicinity, specifically targeting a fence in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. The estimated damages from this fire remain unknown, but it has been classified as arson.
The fifth incident took place at about 5:20 a.m. on July 31, when firefighters responded to a blaze at a detached garage and living unit located in the 2300 block of 17th Avenue South.
As of Friday, the cause of this fire is still under investigation, as is the estimated damage, although it has been labeled suspicious. Authorities found no obvious ignition source, and it remains uncertain if this fire was intentionally set.
Furthermore, the Seattle Police Department is looking into all of these fires, four of which have already been categorized as arsons. Interestingly, they are not investigating a sixth fire that occurred at a bath house at Mt. Baker Beach on July 23, due to a lack of evidence to connect it with the other incidents.
In a recent blog post, the Seattle Police Department stated that detectives are still working to determine if the string of fires is connected and whether the same individual is responsible for them.
SPD spokesperson Eric Muñoz emphasized that the investigation will likely be lengthy, possibly lasting several months, saying, “It’s going to take some time to get answers and make progress on this investigation.”
Currently, detectives are focusing on the three most recent fires, as they possess the most evidence. The motive behind these arsons and the reason for targeting these specific locations remains unclear.
Investigators have recovered video surveillance footage showing a suspected arsonist leaving the area near Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday.
In light of these events, SPD is urging anyone with information about the fires to reach out through the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000 or 1-800-55-ARSON. Tips can also be submitted via email at [email protected], and all submissions can remain anonymous.
In addition, the Arson Alarm Foundation is offering a reward from its $10,000 annual fund for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest or conviction of those responsible for the fires.
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