Investigators call 2 Orcas Island fires as suspicious

OLGA, Wash. — Orcas Island authorities are calling two early Friday morning fires in Olga as suspicious after a home was destroyed and an art building was damaged.

Firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a structure after 3 a.m. When crews arrived, they found Olga Artworks on fire and called for a full response. It took about 30 minutes for crews to extinguish the main body of the fire.

A majority of fire damage was to the exterior and attic space of the building. As of noon, firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hot spots in the roof structure, fire officials said.

Within 3 miles of Olga Artworks, a heavily involved fire on Willis Lane was called in at about 3:30 a.m. Firefighters, including crews from San Juan and Lopez Island fire departments, responded to the home to put out the fire.

Capt. Chad Kimple, of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Henry Rosoff that the fires might be connected to another fire two months ago in the neighborhood, which was also suspicious.

Kimple said the house is likely totaled, and the gallery needs a new roof.

No injuries were reported.

Authorities will continue to investigate the fires as artists like Peter Fisher come to terms with thousands of dollars in losses.

“I would assume that with the smoke and water damage that most of the artwork is destroyed,” Fisher said.

KIRO