Seattle Fire Department investigators have determined that an early morning blaze that destroyed a construction site in Rainier Valley was deliberately set.
The fire erupted around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday near 33rd Avenue South and South Hanford Street. Flames forced the evacuation of nearby homes and downed power lines, temporarily cutting electricity to the area before Seattle City Light restored service.
Firefighters took a defensive approach to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. Nearby homes were searched and residents evacuated as a precaution.
The building under construction lacked fire suppression systems and contained large amounts of combustible materials, intensifying the fire. Heat from the flames threatened nearby vehicles and buildings.
Investigators say this was one of two intentionally set fires in the area that morning. No injuries were reported, and crews brought the fire under control shortly after 5 a.m.
A fire unit remained on scene to watch for flare-ups as the arson investigation continues.
