MOUNT BAKER - Three of four fires that broke out in the South End on Thursday, June 14 were deliberately set, with the fourth blaze still under investigation for arson, according to Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Helen Fitzpatrick.
The fires were closely spaced in terms of time and location, immediately arousing suspicions that they were deliberately set, said Lt. Harold Webb from the Seattle Fire Department. "Something's going on, definitely," Webb said on Friday, adding that the department currently is trying to establish a pattern that might explain how and when the fires were started.
Responding to its first call at 6:43 p.m., the fire department extinguished a blaze that was creeping up the exterior wall of the Japanese Presbyterian Church at 1801 24th Ave. S. Damage to the section of the church, which was made of cedar siding, was estimated at $10,000.
The second call of the evening came at 8:21 p.m., with fire teams responding to reports of burning Dumpster at 1750 22nd Ave. While units were working on that particular blaze, a crew member spotted yet more smoke rising from somewhere nearby. So "about two minutes later," Webb said, "there was another fire set on a couch."
The final fire of the night, and also the most destructive, was phoned in just before 10 p.m.; crews arrived at the 1500 block of 25th Avenue South "where we found a residence that was a remodel," Webb reported, adding that "at the time it was well involved." Damage was estimated at $1 million, Fitzpatrick said Friday, with $750,000 in damage to the structure and another $250,000 for the home's contents.
"Fire investigators have ruled that [fire] undetermined, pending further investigations," Fitzpatrick said, adding that crews were finished with their investigation at the scene and that no more details were expected over the weekend.
"The other three fires," Fitzpatrick reiterated, "were all set fires."
Once such a determination has been made by investigators, Webb pointed out, arson cases are handed over to the Seattle Police Department.
SPD did take a suspect into custody Thursday evening, though the man, who was found hiding in the bushes near one of the fires, was later released due to a lack of evidence. According to SPD officials, the man - middle-age and apparently homeless - remains "a person of interest."
Webb was unable to comment on whether a string of possibly related fires breaking out in such a short time frame, and all fairly close together, aroused suspicions of serial arson, though he did admit it was reassuring that things on Friday remained relatively quiet for the department.
"We've been able to put enough people out there and slow them down," he said of any potential fire incidents. "People are now going to be very aware and on top of things."
Nonetheless, Webb said, it's still a good idea for Rainier Valley residents to keep on their toes. "Normally when we have a rash of behavior, we tell people to be aware and look out for suspicious activities," Webb said, adding that there is a handful of common-sense precautions homeowners can take when it comes to preventing fires and stifling arson-related temptations.
First of all, he said, keep your property free of dried brush, waste paper and other flammable items. Basically, what folks want to get rid of, Webb said, is "anything that'll burn." This includes keeping a lid on garbage cans and recycling bins, and keeping any undue clutter away from the house and out of the yard.
Another precaution people can take is to leave an indoor and an outdoor light on at night, in order to let any potential fire starters know that someone's home, Webb said. Make sure that fire alarms are charged and functioning, as well.
"And just be aware," Webb added.
The Arson Alarm Foundation (www.pemco.com) has posted a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects in Thursday's fires. Call 1-800-55-ARSON (552-7766) if you have any leads.
The general information line for the Seattle Fire Dept. is 386-1400; fire investigation and arson is 386-1350; Red Cross is 323-2345. And if you see a fire, don't dilly-dally; call Emergency first at 911.
Associate editor Rick Levin can be reached at 461-1284.
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