Seattle Fire Department suspects arson after 8 recent fires

SOUTH SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Fire Department suspects arson after eight fires ravaged southside buildings across two days, from June 22-June 24. Most fires were set in buildings on or near Rainier Ave.

Construction sites, businesses and residents in South Seattle are encouraged to take steps to prevent arson fires after at least eight set fires in the area on June 22-24.

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— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) June 24, 2020

The Seattle Fire Department released a statement to the press on Wednesday, stating that the fires were set using debris or in garbage receptacles. Three of those fires were set near construction sites, so the fire department is asking construction crews to be vigilant for signs of potential arson.

SFD recommends that construction crews clean up combustible materials around their worksite when they leave so that arsonists cannot use waste and trash as firestarters. The department also recommends locking dumpsters and emptying all trash receptacles frequently so that waste does not accumulate.

This is a developing story, and updates will be posted here as they become available.

[cta]