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Suspect arrested after several fires near the Jungle

SEATTLE — Seattle fire officials said Monday eight to twelve fires were intentionally set near the Jungle homeless encampment.

At least five fires were set Monday afternoon. Three additional fires were started around 5 p.m. Monday. One person was taken into custody by Seattle police about 8 p.m.

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Smoke was seen funneling into the air. Police and firefighters are investigating near Dr. José Rizal Park. Firefighters had extinguished the three evening fires by 5:30 p.m.

[See photos from fire scene.]

KEY DEVELOPMENTS:

  • Seattle fire officials said 8-12 fires were intentionally set
  • 3 fires Monday evening burned near Dr. José Rizal Park
  • At least 5 fires extinguished Monday afternoon in Beacon Hill greenbelt
  • EB & WB traffic shut down on S. Dearborn Street for fire 
  • One person in Seattle police custody

South Dearborn Street near 12th Ave. South was closed again Monday evening to traffic for fire activity. A small brush fire close to I-5 South and Dearborn could be seen from traffic cameras. Alternate routes were advised.

Eastbound and westbound traffic on South Dearborn Street at 12th Ave. South was shut down Monday afternoon for fire activity. It reopened within the hour.

Seattle police helped with traffic control as firefighters worked to extinguish several fires in the Beacon Hill greenbelt.

By around 3:20 p.m., Seattle fire officials said five trash fires near the Jungle homeless encampment had been extinguished.

Fire officials determined by Monday evening the trash fires had been intentionally set.

Seattle police were looking for a man suspected in the arsons. He was described as a white man, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with short hair and possibly a mohawk.

Police had earlier described the suspect as heavyset. On Monday night, they said they no longer believe is heavyset. Officers asked the public to call 911 with any information.

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Cox Media Group

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