The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has responded to recent intentionally set fires in the vicinity of the Maple Leaf and Wedgewood neighborhoods along Lake City Way NE. Several of these recent fires have been set next to buildings.
SFD fire investigators continue to work closely with the Seattle Police Department’s (SPD) Arson and Bomb Squad to share information regarding the incidents. SFD fire investigators determine the cause of fires, and SPD conducts the follow-up investigation if it’s intentionally set.
SFD and SPD urge the public to immediately call 911 if you see someone setting an illegal fire. The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering an award from its annual $10,000 award fund to anyone with information that leads to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for setting recent fires in the vicinity. Call 1-800-55-ARSON or email SFD_FIU@seattle.gov with any information about these fires – you can choose to remain anonymous.
General information on any new fires that may occur in this vicinity will be posted to this blog in the coming days. Further details regarding recent fires are kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the investigative process. Note: fires that occur the same day as an update may not be included immediately, as final reports by fire investigators are typically released the following business day.
Updated on Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m.:
- Aug. 1 at 12:25 a.m.: Fire involving two cars in a parking lot in the 9500 block of Lake City Way NE. No injuries reported. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
- Aug. 6 at 6:31 a.m.: Rubbish fire next to a food truck at Lake City Way NE and NE 85th St. No injuries reported. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
- Aug. 22 at 7:33 p.m.: Exterior rubbish fire that extended to a commercial building in the 9200 block of Lake City Way NE. No injuries reported. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
- Sept. 16 at 12:59 p.m.: Small brushfire that extended to an adjacent fence in the 9200 block of Lake City Way NE. No injuries reported. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
- Sept. 17 at 4:36 a.m.: Exterior rubbish fire adjacent to a commercial building in the 9700 block of Lake City Way NE. No injuries were reported. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
Follow the tips below to reduce the chance of a fire occurring at your residence or business:
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR HOME
OUTSIDE
- Secure home and garage areas by locking doors and windows
- Clean up 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 - Commercial customers can call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 684-
7665 to arrange for delivery and installation of locks for recycling
and garbage dumpsters - Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility
- Install motion-sensor exterior lights or consider leaving lights on
INSIDE
- Test smoke alarms to ensure they are working
- Have a fire escape plan for all family members. Be sure it includes
knowing all the exits and an outside meeting place - If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located and how to
use it
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR BUSINESSES/BUILDINGS
OUTSIDE
- Secure business and garage areas by locking doors and windows
- Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter or anything that can burn
from around buildings - Do not allow dumpsters to become overfilled. Locate dumpsters and containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles
- Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area.
- Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility
- Install motion-sensor exterior lights
Additional tips for construction sites:
- Secure security fencing at construction sites
- Store solvents, fuels and tools in a locked storage container or remove them from the job site when you are not using them
- Remove trash and debris from the job site
- Try not to store excess materials on the job site
- Secure doors and windows on structures when crews are not actively working on the property
INSIDE
- Test fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, to ensure they are working and in compliance with codes
- Develop and practice a fire response plan
- Keep exit ways clear of items which could slow evacuation efforts