WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Arson damage on Madison Middle School turf

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Malia sent that photo Monday night after noticing the burned chair and fire damage on the turf at Madison Middle School‘s playfield. It was long out by the time she happened onto it. When she called it to our attention, we looked for an SFD call and couldn’t find one. So we pursued inquiries with the school district and she contacted SFD, which said they would give the information to investigators, and asked that anyone with information contact SPD.

Meantime, a district spokesperson replied to us today regarding repairs and whether the damage would limit use of the field:

Damage is located outside the playing lines of the field so the field can be used while we wait on the vendor. A vendor has been contacted to provide a quote and then schedule a crew to come a repair the scorched area that is roughly a five-foot circle. Once vendor reaches back and (purchase order) is generated, the vendor will perform the repairs and access for any damage below the fibers at that time … and repair as needed. A police report was filed about the damage.

We don’t (yet) have the incident number but if you have information for investigators (via the SPD non-emergency line at 206-625-5011), the official address for Madison to which you can refer is 3429 45th Avenue SW. Madison’s turf is relatively new, and levy-funded; we covered the dedication two years ago.

Jay July 15, 2026 (12:29 pm)

I think that’s a gaming chair. Bored rich kid behavior. No respect for public property.

Adam July 15, 2026 (7:33 pm)

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Every kid I know, rich and poor, has a gaming chair. I’ve gifted some to poorer kids as my son grew out of them. Stop your classist BS
wsres July 15, 2026 (9:26 pm)

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you are right. I walked on the north sidewalk a few days ago and someone dumped a gaming chair on that sidewalk. This is frustrating because that turf is still relatively new.

Mike July 15, 2026 (1:43 pm)

Probably from the explosion last night coming from that area. Contact the FBI and ATF, it’s a federal violation.

WSB July 15, 2026 (2:12 pm)

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No, this wasn’t last night.As noted, Malia sent this on Monday evening.

Thomas July 15, 2026 (2:05 pm)

I live on 44th and there were a lot of big fireworks going on long after the 4th. They were being shot off behind Madison. They lit up my bedroom

WS98 July 15, 2026 (2:25 pm)

This is such a disappointment, millions to replace this field and zero respect by selfish people.There have been late night loud bang explosions from the direction of Madison nearly every night since the 4th.

Doyle July 15, 2026 (3:36 pm)

I went to Madison last year and a notable part of the incoming eighth graders would pull stunts like this, and this is just an escalation. I am disappointed and am glad I won’t be seeing them regularly

Alki local July 15, 2026 (4:36 pm)

Yikes!! Thank you to the reporter and the WSB for folllow up! That part of the field is still used in games for throw ins, AR, and for practices. Prior to this damage my family noticed smaller but still significant damage to the turf from being melted by fireworks.I know the WSB said since it’s not parks, the field lights wouldn’t be put on at night to deter fireworks. And still fireworks are happening still. Rep Rob Saka said to call the cops as this is def under his “Quality of Life Disruption”. Hopefully the police can help. I wonder what we can do to prevent public vandalism. Nightly watches with a pressure washer to deter would be punks?

LyndaB July 15, 2026 (8:01 pm)

The chair was abandoned on the parking strip on the north side of the field, fairly close to the entrance to the field. I saw it while I was in the area over the weekend. People dumping their stuff is one problem and then you have other people torching it. Geez.

wsgal July 16, 2026 (11:11 am)

Wonder if it was the same teenagers who were lighting orange parking cones on fire in the parking lot of the west seattle christian church parking lot Saturday evening of summer fest.