Seattle police detectives in the Arson/Bomb Squad are investigating a series of recent arsons in South Seattle.
The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) determined that the majority of these fires were intentionally set. SPD detectives have yet to determine if the same suspect(s) is responsible for setting all of the fires. Detectives are focusing their immediate efforts on the three most recent structure fires on July 30 and July 31.
Fire 1:
On July 26, at about 7:30 a.m., SFD responded to a fire at a residence under construction in the 2000 block of 19th Avenue South. The estimated damage is $20k. SFD reported no injuries.
SFD determined that this fire was an intentional act of arson.
Incident Number: 2025-211503
Fire 2:
On July 30, at about 3:45 a.m., SFD responded to a structure fire at a funeral home in the 4500 block of Rainier Avenue South. The estimated damage is $300k. SFD reported no injuries.
SFD determined that this fire was an intentional act of arson.
Incident Number: 2025-215733
Fire 3:
On July 30, at 4:20 a.m. SFD responded to a fire at a residence under construction in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. The estimated damage is $50k. SFD reported no injuries.
SFD determined that this fire was an intentional act of arson.
Incident Number: 2025-215747
Fire 4:
On July 30 at about 6:40 a.m., SFD responded to a fence on fire in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. The estimated damage is unknown. SFD reported no injuries.
SFD determined that this fire was an intentional act of arson.
Fire 5:
On July 31 at about 5:20 a.m., SFD responded to a fire at a detached garage and living unit in the 2300 block of 17th Avenue South. The estimated damage is unknown.
The cause of this fire is undetermined, yet suspicious. SFD found no obvious ignition sources within the structure. They have not yet determined if this fire was set intentionally.
Incident Number: 2025-216955
According to the Arson/Bomb Squad Sergeant, “we cannot say if any of these fires are related, as there is no evidence yet to link them.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Residents in the area with security cameras are asked to check for any video footage that may be useful. If anything is found, they are asked to call the SPD Non-Emergency Line at 206-615-5011.
If anyone sees someone intentionally lighting a fire, they are asked to call 911 immediately.
Police recovered video surveillance footage of the suspected July 30 arsonist leaving the area of the funeral home. He appears to be a black male, slender build, wearing a blue mask, black vest, white t-shirt, dark pants, shoes, and socks. He is also wearing a gray backpack and carrying a white shopping bag.
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. Anonymous tips are accepted.