SEATTLE – There were two fires overnight in the Fremont area. On December 24, around 3:46 a.m. the Seattle Fire Alarm Center (FAC) received a 9-1-1 call for a reported fire in an alley at the 500 Blk of N 36 St. The first arriving unit reported heavy fire in the alley that was spreading into a building and called for a second alarm. Firefighters initially applied water from the exterior of the building before transitioning to an interior attack. The fire was extinguished within 90 minutes. Two businesses were impacted by the fire: Habitude Salon and Spa and Red Star Taco Bar. There were no occupants inside either structure and there were no injuries to any firefighters. At the height of the fire there were ten engine companies and six ladder companies on scene.
Then around 4:12 a.m., the FAC received a 9-1-1 call for a reported fire at the 400 Blk of N 36th St. The first arriving unit reported a small fire on the exterior of a building that was quickly extinguished.
Both fires are under investigation.
Update as of 3:30 p.m. on December 24, 2018:
Fire Investigators have determined that both these fires were intentionally set and are ruling them as arson. Habitude Spa Salon and Red Star Taco Bar located on the 500 Blk of N 36 St sustained $190,000 of damage, and Ounce of Prevention located on the 400 Blk of N 36 St sustained $10,000 of damage.
The Seattle Police Department is conducting the follow-up investigation. Anyone with information about these fires should contact SPD’s Arson and Bomb Squad at (206) 684-8980. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.
Update as of 10:30 a.m. on 1/2/19
There are multiple businesses located on the 500 Blk of N 36 St that were impacted by the fire. A third business, Sfingiday, has now been identified as well. The estimate of damage for these businesses has not changed.