Seattle police investigate string of fires; man arrested in connection with one

SEATTLE — Seattle police arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with a fire early Wednesday morning in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

At about 9:15 p.m., police said someone set fire to a dumpster in the 1200 block of Boylston Avenue.

Between 9:15 p.m. and 2 a.m., crews later responded to a string of set fires in dumpsters and recycling bins near Pioneer Square, the International District, First Hill, Capitol Hill, as well as a car fire near Yesler Terrace, police said.

Investigators said before 2 a.m., a transit security guard in Capitol Hill reported seeing a man throw cardboard into a burning trash can at East Olive Way and Broadway.

According to police, the man walked away and police found him several blocks away. He was booked into the King County Jail for reckless burning.

Investigators have not linked the man to the 11 other fires that were set overnight but are investigating if they’re connected.

Anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or has surveillance of the fires is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Arson/Bomb Unit at 206-684-8980.

Below is a list of the fires:

• Fire #1 12/17/19 at 9:17 PM: 1200 block of Boylston Avenue

• Fire #2 12/17/19 at 9:24 PM: 1300 block of Seneca Street

• Fire #3 12/17/19 at 9:29 PM: 900 block of Madison Street

• Fire #4 12/17/19 at 9:36 PM: 800 block Spring Street

• Fire #5 12/17/19 at 09:41 PM: 1000 block 8th Avenue

• Fire #6 12/17/19 at 10:28 PM: 200 block 1st Avenue S

• Fire #7 12/17/19 at 10:37 PM: 2 Ave S and S Jackson Street

• Fire #8 12/17/19 at 10:38 PM : S Main St and Post Alley

• Fire #9 12/18/19 at 12:06 AM: 10 Ave E and E Jefferson Street

• Fire #10 12/18/19 at 12:34 AM: 100 block of 11th Avenue

• Fire #11 12/18/19 at 12:38 AM: 100 block of 11th Avenue