Summary:
Seattle police detectives are investigating a series of arsons in South Seattle after the Seattle Fire Department determined that several recent fires were intentionally set. The Arson/Bomb Squad is focusing on three structure fires that occurred on July 30 and July 31, while working to determine whether the same person is responsible for all of them. The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. The fires caused an estimated $430,000 in damage. Residents in the affected areas with security cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity and contact police.
Seattle police detectives are investigating a string of arsons in South Seattle after the Seattle Fire Department determined that several recent fires were intentionally set. Detectives in the Arson/Bomb Squad are focusing on three structure fires that occurred on July 30 and July 31 while working to determine whether the same person is responsible for all of them.
Video surveillance from one of the fires shows a man police believe is connected to a July 30 blaze at a funeral home on Rainier Avenue South. He is described as a Black male with a slender build, wearing a blue mask, black vest, white T-shirt, dark pants, shoes, and socks. He was also carrying a gray backpack and a white shopping bag.
The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering a reward from its annual $10,000 fund for information leading to an arrest or conviction.
The fires began on July 26, when firefighters responded to a blaze at a residence under construction in the 2000 block of 19th Avenue South. Crews arrived around 7:30 a.m. and contained the fire, which caused an estimated $20,000 in damage. Investigators determined it was intentionally set.
Four days later, on July 30, firefighters responded to three more fires in quick succession. The first, reported at 3:45 a.m., heavily damaged a funeral home in the 4500 block of Rainier Avenue South. The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage and was ruled an arson.
About 35 minutes later, a second fire broke out at another residence under construction in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. It caused $50,000 in damage and was also determined to be arson.
Two hours later, at about 6:40 a.m., crews returned to the same block for a fence fire that was ruled intentional.
On July 31, at about 5:20 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire at a detached garage and living unit in the 2300 block of 17th Avenue South. Investigators said the cause is undetermined but suspicious after finding no obvious ignition sources.
“We cannot say if any of these fires are related, as there is no evidence yet to link them,” said the sergeant overseeing SPD’s Arson/Bomb Squad.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Residents in the affected areas with security cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity and contact police through the SPD Non-Emergency Line at 206-615-5011 if anything is found.
Officials are also reminding the public to call 911 immediately if they see anyone attempting to start a fire. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-55-ARSON or emailing SFD_FIU@seattle.gov.