UPDATE: ‘Dumpster fire’ by ex-Pecos Pit (details added Thursday)

9:31 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos of that short-lived fire by the former Pecos Pit building on 35th just south of the entrance to the bridge. SFD reports it’s out and classified it as a “dumpster fire.” No other info yet.

9:39 PM: Police are investigating. No injuries reported.

9:44 PM: Matching tonight’s photos to Google Street View, it was the dumpster corral just south of the ex-restaurant, which closed abruptly 10 months ago. (We recently asked City Light, the property owner, about their plans for it, and they replied, “The site is currently being evaluated for City Light’s purposes as part of our larger real estate portfolio. We are looking at both short-term options and long-term activation for utility purposes.”)

ADDED 4:43 PM THURSDAY: We followed up today. First, here’s a photo of the aftermath:

We also requested the police-report narrative, which did not identify a cause for the fire but focused on reports that people had been living in the enclosure:

At 9:25 PM On October 24, 2025, I [Ofc. X. XXXX #9054] saw a large dumpster fire as 3F21, located at 4400 35 Av SW.

The call detail:

While en route to a separate call, I saw a fire burning just south of the Pecos Pit BBQ [4400 35th Av SW] in the dumpster area. Upon arrival, a passerby stated that her friend lives in the enclosure. I checked the perimeter of the fire and did not locate any person. The passerby had left before I was able to contact her. SFD engine 32 responded to the fire shortly after our arrival and were able to successfully neutralize the blaze and did not locate a person inside.

I spoke with the clerk of the nearby 7-11, who was inside the store when the fire broke out. He was unable to provide any information regarding the suspects responsible for the fire.

I interviewed XXXX, who had stated that he lived in the nearby apartments and had called our dispatch center earlier to report the fire. XXXX stated that he had witnessed a white male, thin, black hoodie, black pants, and a backpack leaving southbound on 35th. Furthermore, he stated that he had seen the same person living in the enclosure with a white female for approximately the past two weeks. The two had been a frequent presence in the area and were seen panhandling at the intersection of Fauntleroy WY S. and 35th Ave.

The narrative concluded by noting that SFD’s investigator Marshal 5 decided not to go to the scene.

Samgaler October 29, 2025 (9:43 pm)

Curious if this turns out to be related to the arson south of the junction yesterday

glsmithers October 30, 2025 (8:37 am)

Was literally thinking the same thing . . .
Mellow Kitty October 30, 2025 (8:44 am)

The thought of a fire bug running around is terrifying.
- Mikep996 October 30, 2025 (10:37 am)
  
  It’s far more likely that improperly disposed of lithium batteries were the cause.https://www.geekwire.com/2024/citing-fire-dangers-seattle-bans-batteries-from-the-trash-heres-where-they-should-go/
  - rpo October 31, 2025 (8:07 am)
    
    It’s absolutely not “far more likely”. Two homeless people have been living literally in the enclosure where the fire began. One of them is the cause of the fire. End of story.

Derek October 29, 2025 (10:15 pm)

This was put out so fast I am surprised there was a photo. Literally walked by it on my way to 7/11.

Rc October 30, 2025 (8:14 am)

They need to do something with the property, it’s turning into a dumping ground.

Alki resident October 30, 2025 (10:11 am)

These fires concern me as they still haven’t made an arrest for torching Camp Long, and with the recent arson at Dottie Park in Burien and now this dumpster, I hope police can track the perpetrators down as soon as possible. Reminds me to check smoke detector batteries.