Arson fire similar to these shrubs set afire in June
Arson fire at 28th & Tilden
By reporter Steven Smalley
Between January and September of this year, Seattle Fire Department itemizes 10 arson fires set around the neighborhood, the latest reported by Magnolia Voice at 29th & Tilden. Here is their list:
Jan. 9 Recycle bin fire, 3822 23rd Ave. West
Jan. 9 Recycle bin fire, 23rd Ave. W & Armour
Jan. 11 Recycle bin fire that extended to garage, 2220 W. Emerson St.
Feb. 22 Cardboard boxes fire near back door, 3835 23rd Ave. W
Apr. 6 Fire to construction debris at residence under construction
May 11 Exterior hedge fire, 3502 29th Ave. W
May 12 Planter box fire, 2520 32nd Ave. W
Jun. 1 Exterior fence/hedge fire, 28th Ave. W & Grover
Aug. 28 Tree fire, 1400 Magnolia Blvd.
Sep. 4 Fire started on hedge, extended to residence, 3623 28th Ave. W
From a Seattle Fire Department website: “A series of set fires have occurred in the Magnolia neighborhood over the past few months. The majority of these fires have been intentionally set in recycle bins or in outside shrubbery/hedges. Two of the fires have spread to nearby structures”
The following is a list of things you can do to help prevent arson fires at your home, according to Seattle Fire.
OUTSIDE:
Secure home, garage areas and businesses by locking doors and windows.
Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings. Clear carport areas of all combustibles.
Locate dumpsters, recycle bins and yard waste containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines. If possible, keep them in a secured area. Do not allow them to become overfilled.
Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area. Locks may be available through your contracted service provider. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles.
Residential customers can call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 684-7665 to arrange for delivery and installation of locks for recycling and garbage containers.
Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility.
Install motion-sensor exterior lights or consider leaving lights on.
INSIDE:
For businesses, check fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, to ensure they are working and in compliance with codes.
For homeowners, test smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan. Be sure it includes knowing all the exits and a meeting place.
If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located and how to use it.
Keep exit ways clear of items which could slow evacuation efforts.
Please report any information you believe may be related to arson to SPD’s Arson and Bomb Squad at (206) 684-8980 or the Arson Alarm Foundation Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON or arsonalarm.org[1]. Those providing information may remain anonymous. If you see suspicious activity taking place, please call 911.
Suspected arson fires are referred by the Seattle Fire Department to Seattle Police for investigation as crimes. A Seattle Police representative tells Magnolia Voice these fires are still under investigation and cannot confirm whether any were set by one person.