The Seattle Fire Department and Police Department have recently seen an uptick in intentionally set fires in the Chinatown-International District and First Hill neighborhoods. Most of the fires have occurred in dumpster receptacles, garbage bins, stairwells of occupied buildings and vacant buildings. The fires occurred between July 16 and 17.
Updated on July 31:
- July 16: 900 block of S. Jackson St. – Debris fire set inside stairwell of building
- July 16: 900 block of S. Jackson St. – Second set fire in Stairwell of building
- July 16: 1200 block of S. Jackson St. – Debris fire set in underground parking garage
- July 16: 800 block of Madison St. – Debris fires inside derelict apartment building
- July 17: 1200 block of 15th Ave. E. – Multiple Garbage cans and dumpsters burned
- July 28: 300 block of 10th Ave. S. – Debris fire set inside stairwell of building.
On July 13, Seattle Fire responded to a 2-alarm fire in a vacant building at the 1000 block of 9th Ave. Then on July 20, firefighters responded to a 2-alarm fire in a vacant building at the 1000 block of S. King St.
The Seattle Fire Department’s fire investigators continue to work closely with the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad to share information regarding the ongoing investigations.
In light of these recent fires, here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of an arson fire at your home or business:
OUTSIDE:
- Secure home, garage areas and businesses by locking doors and windows.
- Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings. Clear carport areas of all combustibles.
- Locate dumpsters, recycle bins and yard waste containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines. If possible, keep them in a secured area. Do not allow them to become overfilled.
- Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area. Locks may be available through your contracted service provider. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles.
- Residential customers can call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 684-7665 to arrange for delivery and installation of locks for recycling and garbage containers.
- Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility.
- Install motion-sensor exterior lights or consider leaving lights on.
- Secure gas grills or disconnect the propane tank and place it inside your garage.
INSIDE:
- For businesses, check fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, to ensure they are working and in compliance with codes.
- For homeowners, test smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
- Develop and practice a fire escape plan. Be sure it includes knowing all the exits and a meeting place.
- If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located and how to use it.
- Keep exit ways clear of items which could slow evacuation efforts.