Arbor Heights fire semi-followup: Cause still not known

(Monday photo by Tony Bradley)
In case you were wondering – we have checked with the Seattle Fire Department to see if investigators had determined the cause of Monday afternoon’s Arbor Heights fire (original WSB coverage here). Not yet, according to SFD spokesperson Helen Fitzpatrick – they need to speak with the 34-year-old fire survivor. We don’t know how soon he’ll be doing well enough for that to happen; without his name, media can’t get information on his condition, because of privacy laws. Fitzpatrick did add that the damage estimate is now up to $300,000.

9 Replies to "Arbor Heights fire semi-followup: Cause still not known"

  • marty May 26, 2009 (4:48 pm)

    That is an expensive meth house!

  • stephanie May 26, 2009 (6:10 pm)

    not a meth house. I went to high school with the victims cousin and she spent the day in the burn unit hoping he would pull through. not a meth house.

  • WSB May 26, 2009 (6:19 pm)

    And as noted in the original story, police have yet to say they’ve found anything to say it was. That was originally something they and firefighters were worried about, they said so, and we (and others) reported the fact they said so, but it’s also important to note now that it is currently being investigated as a fire case, period, so far – TR

  • madashell May 26, 2009 (7:01 pm)

    Hear Hear! Imagine yourself in their position. Someone’s speculation ends up ruining your reputation and smearing your loved ones. I’m sure police and FD must think that of ANY home in ANY neighborhood! If they don’t, they should! Crime knows no class, look at Bernie Madoff.

  • 4th Generation Born-N-Raised May 26, 2009 (8:58 pm)

    Heard from an elderly neighbor (typically they are reliable sources!) that he was in his garage working on his car all day, as the garage door was open and she had been watching from time to time. She said that gas had spilled and ignited. Just passing along more (and different) gossip.

  • MAS May 27, 2009 (4:02 pm)

    Just wanted to say thanks to the WSB for being so good about follow-up reporting. It’s pretty spotty in other media, and I appreciate it.

  • Batgurrl May 31, 2009 (12:03 pm)

    Do we have any update on our poor neighbor. The house now has a chain link fence around it. Looks so sad.

    A Cause yet?

  • Just another neighbor June 1, 2009 (10:39 pm)

    Talked to friends of the victims family and he is still in critical condition. So far it looks like a very bad accident while working on his car despite the original suspicions and claims by neighbors. It is very sad. A mother has lost her house and everything she owns and could still lose her son too. As a neighborhood we really should rally to support her and not place judgments or blame.

  • Anonymous June 2, 2009 (10:50 pm)

    As WSB and other media have stated numerous times, this isn’t a case of neighbors rushing to place judgments or blame on this poor person. This was, in fact, something Seattle Police and Fire were originally concerned about because of previous interactions with the victim. I’m not saying it is fair, but it was the best they could do with the limited information they had.
    Regardless, I haven’t spoken with one neighbor who has done nothing but sent prayers and thoughts to the victim for a miraculous recovery.

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