SEATTLE — A 2-alarm fire that tore through a strip mall in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood overnight was intentionally set, according to Seattle police officials.
Seattle police officers were first called to the shopping center in the 3000 block of Northeast 127th Street for a report of a burglary. The suspects were seen running from the area, and the fire started shortly after, just before 11 p.m. Monday, investigators said.
When firefighters arrived, they found fire burning inside stores located in the middle of the building with heavy smoke coming from a small space in between the ceiling and roof.
Shortly after, the fire was upgraded to two alarms as the fire quickly spread throughout the building.
Crews poured water onto the flames from the outside because it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building. Sections of the roof collapsed 30 minutes after the fire began, and Seattle fire officials told KIRO 7 the building is a total loss.
Multiple businesses were destroyed, including a smoke shop, laundromat and a barber shop.
“This is total devastation, man. I grew up in this area and I know the smoke shop lady for over 20, 25 years,” said Kongo Bamanaya.
The fire was under control by 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, but firefighters remained at the scene looking for flare-ups Tuesday morning.
Eleven fire engines, five ladder trucks and 84 firefighters helped fight the fire.
No one was hurt.
Fire investigators determined later in the day that the fire was intentionally set and estimated the loss at $2.7 million.
The arson and bomb squad is conducting a follow-up investigation.
Cox Media Group
