A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with a suspicious fire that destroyed multiple homes under construction in Everett, Washington. Authorities believe the fire, which occurred early Wednesday morning, was intentionally set.
According to the Everett Fire Department (EFD), emergency crews responded to multiple 911 calls around 1 a.m. about a structure fire near Lombard Avenue and 19th Street. When firefighters arrived, they found a house under construction fully engulfed in flames, with the fire rapidly spreading to a second home also under construction.
Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately 20 minutes, preventing further damage to nearby properties. In total, four structures were affected:
- The primary home under construction was completely destroyed.
- The second house sustained significant exterior damage.
- A nearby existing home and gazebo suffered minor damage.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and no residents were displaced, as the affected structures were unoccupied at the time.
Following an investigation, Everett police arrested the suspect and booked him into Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson and second-degree burglary. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the crime.
Arson cases can have devastating consequences, and officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of arson and its impact on the community. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
