VIDEO/PHOTOS: A massive fire that destroyed a funeral home in Seattle’s Columbia City, and a second fire that burned a home under construction in the Mount Baker neighborhood, were both intentionally set, according to the Seattle Fire Department (SFD). There’s a $10,000 reward leading to an arrest, and a possible suspect was seen on a traffic camera walking up to the funeral home and setting it on fire. The first fire at the funeral home was called out at 3:46 a.m.
When firefighters arrived at the Columbia Funeral Home and Crematory, the house was already well involved in flames. Crews took a defensive position and put water on the fire from outside the building. โIโm a little bit overwhelmed, a little bit in shock,โ said Russ Weeks, the president of Columbia Funeral Home and Crematory. โI’m just not sure what to think and I’m not sure what the next steps are. That’s probably the most challenging thing for me.” No injuries were reported. Fire crews were putting out hotspots after the fire was under control. It was extinguished by 5:23 a.m.
The funeral home had been serving Seattle at the location since 1907. Among those who have had services there are such notable figures as musician Jimi Hendrix and Washington Gov. Albert Rosellini. โThis place is my neighbor. We have lived here almost eight years and I pass here every day, so to see it this way, it’s so heartbreaking. It breaks my heart,โ said Simret Desta, who had just attended a memorial service at the funeral home a week ago.
