Fire at Magnolia school cancels classes, suspect in custody

SEATTLE — Classes at a Magnolia school are canceled Monday due to damage caused by a fire, according to Seattle Police.

Police arrived at Catharine Blaine K-8 on 34th Avenue West shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Sunday after someone set a fire outside the school, which spread to the building’s interior.

A witness reported seeing a man setting a fire on school property and then leaving once a building caught fire. Police said it appeared the man was in an alcove near a school entrance.

On Monday afternoon, the Seattle Police Department announced that it had received a report from a community member about a man matching the suspect’s description just before 1 a.m. Police searched the area and found the man walking on West Dravus Street.

The 55-year-old man was arrested for investigation of reckless burning and was booked into the King County Jail.

Seattle Public Schools said the damage was limited and that most was smoke-related, though photos from Seattle Police showed parts of a charred wall and ceiling.

No one was hurt.

Seattle Police Department arson and bomb detectives are investigating.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

©2023 Cox Media Group