2-alarm fire at vacant Tacoma building being investigated as suspicious

TACOMA, Wash. — A two-alarm fire that destroyed a vacant building in Tacoma on the Fourth of July is being investigated as suspicious, according to the Tacoma Police Department.

Fire officials confirmed Friday that the fire was suspicious.

The blaze brought down a building on the 1600 block of Tacoma Avenue South, leading firefighters to take a defensive approach when they first arrived at the scene.

Crews also reported the building had partially collapsed only minutes after their arrival.

Firefighters had to work to protect nearby buildings as flames were seen shooting into the air.

Crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor flare-ups on the day of the fire.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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