Crews battle flames in 4 buildings in north Beacon Hill

SEATTLE — Crews worked to put out a three-alarm fire that heavily damaged four buildings in Seattle’s north Beacon Hill neighborhood early Thursday.

Seattle fire said the fire alarm center received a call about a fire at a new construction site at 5:42 a.m.

The buildings are in the 1000 block of Sturgus Avenue South, which is near the I-90/I-5 interchange. The fire started in a building under construction and then spread to adjacent buildings.

At the height of the fire, the response went to three alarms to summon additional resources. Fourteen fire engines and four ladder trucks were used to fight the fire. More than half of the city’s firefighters responded to keep the fire from spreading further.

Smoke was seen rising from the buildings via Chopper 7. The Washington State Department of Transportation said embers from the fire were coming down onto the freeway.

PHOTOS: Several buildings burn on Seattle’s Beacon Hill

Nearby buildings were evacuated and Seattle fire said neighbors in the area should close their windows to avoid smoke.

The fire was put out but firefighters remained at the scene for several hours.

No injuries were reported.

Seattle fire investigators said the fire was intentionally set, ruling it an arson.

An arsonist reportedly targeted the site back in April. “There has been an uptick in fire activity in this area that causes us concern,” said Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.

Police and arson investigators are searching for the person who started the fire, causing an estimated $5 million in damage.

RAW: Fire burns several buildings on Beacon Hill RAW: Fire burns several buildings on Beacon Hill

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