Investigators Looking For Cause Of String Of Seattle Fires

Aug. 2, 2004
Four deliberately set fires were reported early Monday in north Seattle, the latest in a string of weekend arsons that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
SEATTLE (AP) -- Four deliberately set fires were reported early Monday in north Seattle, the latest in a string of weekend arsons that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

Monday's fires bring the total number since Saturday night to 11; at least nine were arsons. No one has been hurt.

``We're not going to speculate on who this might be,'' Mayor Greg Nickels said. ``But we will find them and we will bring them to justice.''

The string of fires began when a fire broke out late Saturday at a University District home. Two people jumped 12 feet from the back roof to escape and another climbed out a basement window, Fire Department spokeswoman Helen Fitzpatrick said.

The fire spread to the roof of a neighboring house before firefighters doused it.

Less than an hour later, firefighters responded to a fully engulfed condominium complex under construction near Woodland Park Zoo. Witnesses reported flames leaping 100 feet into the air.

Firefighters evacuated people from nearby homes, some of which had paint blistered by the heat.

On Monday, small fires were reported at two garages, a recycling business and on a piece of furniture on a parking strip, Fitzpatrick said. Damage did not appear extensive.

Other fires since Saturday burned at a cafe, two homes, a garage and a car dealership. Damage estimates exceeded $250,000.

Fitzpatrick said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was called in to assist in the investigation.

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