13 Fires Set in Under 24 Hours in Suspected Arson Spree in Washington State

Tacoma, Washington authorities are searching for an arson suspect after 13 fires were reported in close proximity in the span of less than 24 hours.

Per KOMO, the fires started on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 25, with the last fire reported before 4 a.m. on the following day. The suspected arson attacks all took place across several miles in Tacoma, with some believed to have been started just minutes apart. So far there have been no reported injuries, but substantial damage was dealt to some of the homes in the area. 

Jeannine Mitchell, one of the homeowners impacted by the fires, said she was asleep when flames burned through her garage. “We were really, really afraid that it would catch,” Mitchell said. “But as soon as the firemen were here—they were here so fast and so efficiently getting back there, that I knew they would protect the house.”

Police have indicated it’s unclear if they’re seeking a single suspect or multiple people. In addition to local authorities, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have joined the investigation.

“This is a priority, not just for our department,” said Tacoma Police Officer Wendy Haddow. “This is a priority for the fire department. It’s a priority for our whole community. We do not want someone injured as a result of an arson that someone set.”