An arsonist set the second of two fires that broke out in one night last week in a house slated for demolition at the east edge of the Roosevelt neighborhood, according to investigators. The first fire at 1322 N.E. 65th Street, was reported at 10:41 p.m. Aug. 13, according to Helen Fitzpatrick, public information officer for the Seattle Fire Dept.
"Power had been shut off to the house, but three people were inside," Fitzpatrick said, adding that the accidental fire was caused by a cigarette.
Another, more serious blaze was reported just over two hours later at the same house, according to records.
"Flames were coming from the basement, but the fire was confined to the basement," Fitzpatrick said. "This was a set fire. It was determined to be arson."
Fitzpatrick didn't say why investigators believe the fire was arson and referred further questions to the Seattle Police, adding that a joint investigation is under way by the police and the fire marshal's office.
Damage from both blazes was set at $5,000 because the house was scheduled to be demolished.
Fitzpatrick said this fire appears unrelated to an arson fire last September which damaged a nearby house in the 6400 block of Brooklyn Avenue Northeast, on the other side of 65th Street from last week's blaze.
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