Seattle fire and police investigators are looking into four suspicious fires in the Mt. Baker and Columbia City neighborhoods between July 26 and July 30, with three incidents occurring within hours of each other early Wednesday morning.
The first fire occurred July 26 at a residential construction site. Three additional fires followed on July 30, all within a concentrated timeframe that has raised concerns about a potential arsonist.
At 3:46 a.m. Wednesday, Columbia Funeral Home and Crematory on the 4500 block of Rainier Avenue South was set ablaze. City-operated surveillance cameras captured footage of a person walking up to the property, appearing to ignite the fire, and walking away. The incident caused an estimated $300,000 in damage.
Less than an hour later at 4:20 a.m., a second fire was set at a home under construction on the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. By 6:41 a.m., a third fire damaged a fence on the same block.
The Seattle Fire Department is working with the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad to investigate the incidents. Officials have not confirmed whether the fires are connected, but the close timing and proximity have heightened concerns about a serial arsonist targeting the area.
The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction in the case.
Fire officials continue monitoring the area for additional incidents and are asking residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity. The concentration of fires in construction sites and established businesses has prompted increased patrols in both neighborhoods.
