This report submitted by Lower Wallingford Correspondent, Chris Witwer.
The Seattle Fire Department is warning residents that a series of fires in the Greenwood neighborhood were intentionally set. There have been at least 4 suspicious fires in the area in the last two months — two of them rather recently.
In addition, two abandoned buildings on the western edge of the UW campus were torched last night, according to King 5. Fire investigators aren’t saying the fires are all connected, but there’s certainly something going on.
As we’ve seen before, arsonists seem to be using nearby flammable materials to start the fires. This makes one wonder if homes & buildings are targeted for this reason alone — availability of kindling.
On a walk through Lower Wallingford this morning, we noticed quite a few stacks of wood, construction material, and dried vegetation near some homes. The fire department says clean up around the house, keep an outside light on and call 911 if you see something suspicious.
Greenwood fires are summarized by the Seattle Fire Dept as follows:
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.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Arson Alarm Hotline number at 1-800-55-ARSON
Remember a few years back, when we were having the arsons including the one at the apartments/condos in back of the Guild 45th? They never caught that guy, did they?
Hey Darwin. I’m new to the hood, so I don’t recall that time period myself. Anyone else know?
Also, I do think I see a trend around town. Last summer there were fires being set in the dumpsters downtown/Belltown. The year before that I think, there were eco-terrorists outside of town burning down houses. Maybe the summers are too long for the local kids? Or maybe the college kids are burning up their fears before the school year starts? Regardles, it seems to me that August is the time for arson around here…