Three Suspicious Fires Reported Early Monday Morning

At 2:59 a.m. Aug. 10, Olympia Firefighters were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at Cambridge Court Apartments, located at 2323 9th Ave. SW.

The first engine arrived within six minutes to find a working fire in the apartment's community building. Crews swiftly began working to extinguish the fire that spread into the attic. The fire was controlled after significant damage to the building’s roof structure. No injuries were reported at this incident. Property damage is estimated to be $450,000. This fire is being investigated and considered suspicious. 

A second fire was reported at 3:29 a.m. several blocks away from the first fire at Hidden Creek Church located at 1807 9th Ave. SW. The first engine arrived in nine minutes to find a working fire in the basement of the church. The fire was quickly extinguished, limiting fire damage to the basement and smoke damage throughout the building. No injuries were reported. The property damage is estimated to be $200,000. This fire is being treated as arson. The Olympia Police Department was able to view the security footage at the church and identified a suspect. This person was taken into police custody early this morning.   

The third fire was reported at 4:14 a.m. again, blocks away from the previous two fires at Fern Crest Apartments, located at 915 Fern St. SW. The first engine arrived within five minutes to find a significantly involved garage and car fire which was rapidly extending into the apartment above. The fire was extinguished, but heavy fire damage to the building and attic resulted. No injuries were reported at this incident. Eight of the twelve units were impacted by the fire, resulting in 20 individuals being displaced. Red Cross has been called to the scene to help with emergency sheltering needs. The property damage is estimated to be $400,000. The fire is also being investigated and is considered suspicious. 

These three fires occurred in rapid succession which required callback of off-duty members as well as mutual aid from neighboring fire departments. Apparatus utilized over the three fire scenes included Olympia’s four fire engines, one ladder truck, two fire medic units and a Battalion Chief, as well as units from Lacey Fire District 3, the Tumwater Fire Department, McLane Black Lake Fire Department, South Bay Fire Department, East Olympia Fire District 6 and Griffin Fire Department.

This press release was made available through the City of Olympia.