The Seattle Fire Department will be conducting arson patrols and distributing arson prevention information in response to recent arsons in the Greenwood neighborhood.

Two fires occurred early this morning that fire investigators believe were started by the same person. The first fire was set on the back porch of a business at 3:43 a.m. at 300 Northwest 85^th Street. Neighbors used fire extinguishers to help contain the fire until firefighters  arrived. The fire did not extend to the business and there were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $5,000. Shortly afterwards, at 4:11 a.m. firefighters responded to a fire at North 84^th Street and Greenwood Avenue North. This fire was set between two buildings and damaged the exteriors of both buildings. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $20,000. 

On October 23, a fire was set in the Green Bean coffee house that burned three other businesses and caused $2 million in damages. Investigators are working to determine whether this fire is connected to this morning’s fires.

Anyone with information that may be related to arson can call the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON. A reward may be provided for an arson conviction.  For any suspicious activity taking place, please call 911.

Seattle Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit has determined that a series of fires in the Greenwood Neighborhood were intentionally set. The Seattle Police Department is handling the criminal investigations. At least four fires have been set in the area in the past two months. Three of those fires occurred in the last week. There are no suspects at this time and investigators have not determined that these fires are connected; however, the Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Police Department want to inform residents and give them arson prevention tips. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Arson Alarm Hotline number at 1-800-55-ARSON.

Later today, firefighters will distribute Arson Watch Flyers with tips on steps individuals can take to make a difference in protecting their home or business.

August 13 – 100 Block of NW 84th Street

Set fire spread to a home at approximately 4:31 p.m. A 50-year old male suffered burns and was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Damage to the home totaled $170,000.

August 13 – 1100 Block of N 98th Street
Set fire in a first floor office of a mixed use commercial/residential building at 3:21 a.m. Two occupants of an apartment above the office were able to exit the building safely. Firefighters arrived to find a small fire in the office area on the first floor. Damage to the business totaled $15,000.

August 12 – 7700 Block of Greenwood Ave North
Fire set on the exterior of a three story residence at 1:33 p.m. There were no people inside the house and the fire was concentrated on the exterior of the building. Damage was estimated at $100.

June 19 – 8700 Block of Greenwood Avenue North
Fire set in the basement of a vacant and closed restaurant around 10:00 p.m. There were no people inside the building and no injuries as a result of this fire. Damage was estimated at $500.