The Seattle Fire Department reported it has recently responded to multiple intentionally set fires in the Central District, Mount Baker, and Rainier Beach neighborhoods.
The SFD confirmed that several of the recent fires were set to structures.
“SFD fire investigators continue to work closely with the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad to share information regarding the incidents,” wrote the SFD. “SFD fire investigators determine the cause of fires, and SPD conducts the follow-up investigation if it’s intentionally set.”
Seattle fire and police urge the public to call 911 if they see someone setting an illegal fire.
The SFD continued to note that the Arson Alarm Foundation is offering an award from its annual $10,000 award fund to anyone with information that leads to the arrest or conviction of whoever is responsible for setting the recent fires.
“Call 1-800-55-ARSON or email SFD_FIU@seattle.gov with any information about these fires. You can choose to remain anonymous,” wrote the SFD. “General information on any new fires that may occur in this vicinity will be posted to this blog in the coming days. Further details regarding recent fires are kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the investigative process.”
The SFD listed the following incidents that have occurred as of October 22:
October 17 at 12:04 a.m.: fire in an unoccupied vehicle parked at 23rd Avenue South and South Walker Street. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
October 17 at 1:04 a.m.: porch fire in a residence in the 3200 block of South Mount Baker Boulevard. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
October 17 at 4:38 a.m.: fire in a portable toilet at a construction site at Hiawatha Place South and South Charles Street. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
October 18 at 6:34 a.m.: fire in a vacant section of a commercial building in the 2700 block of Rainier Avenue South. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
October 21 at 12:31 p.m.: porch fire in a vacant building in the 1100 block of East Spruce Street. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
October 22 at 7:58 a.m.: fire in a residential building in the 1900 block of 22nd Avenue South. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
The six intentionally set fires within five days indicate a serial arsonist operating in South Seattle neighborhoods, with the geographic concentration in Central District, Mount Baker, and Rainier Beach suggesting either a local resident or someone familiar with the area.
The progression from an unoccupied vehicle to portable toilets to residential porches and buildings demonstrates escalating severity, with the arsonist growing bolder or more reckless as fires continue without apparent apprehension.
The overnight timing of most fires (12:04 a.m., 1:04 a.m., 4:38 a.m.) suggests the arsonist operates under cover of darkness when fewer witnesses are present and detection is less likely, though the October 21 and 22 fires occurred during daylight hours.
The targeting of vacant buildings and construction sites alongside occupied residences creates confusion about whether the arsonist seeks to avoid casualties or is indifferent to human life, with porch fires potentially spreading to inhabited spaces.
The $10,000 Arson Alarm Foundation reward provides financial incentive for community members to report suspicions, though such rewards often generate false tips requiring investigator time to rule out while the actual arsonist remains free.
The coordination between SFD fire investigators and SPD Arson and Bomb Squad reflects standard protocol where fire departments determine fire causes through scene examination while police handle criminal investigations and suspect apprehension.
The South Seattle neighborhoods affected have experienced property crime challenges in recent years, with arson adding another public safety concern for residents already dealing with vehicle thefts, burglaries, and quality-of-life issues.
The pattern’s visibility through SFD blog updates serves dual purposes of warning residents to remain vigilant while potentially deterring the arsonist through public awareness that investigators are tracking the crimes and seeking tips.
The emphasis on confidentiality protecting investigative integrity suggests authorities may have leads or evidence they’re not disclosing publicly to avoid tipping off the suspect about what investigators know.
The geographic corridor along Rainier Avenue South and surrounding blocks creates a relatively compact search area where increased police and fire patrols could potentially catch the arsonist in the act or deter further incidents through visible presence.
