Seattle police release photos of suspected arsonist in South Seattle fire spree
Aug 1, 2025, 7:55 AM | Updated: 8:03 am
A side-by-side photo of the suspected arsonist walking near the Rainier Valley funeral home fire. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)
Photos of the suspect involved in a series of recent arsons in South Seattle, including a funeral home, were released Thursday, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) announced.
The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has determined that four of the five fires since July 26 have been identified as arson.
Photos released of South Seattle’s suspected arsonist
Video surveillance footage recovered by the SPD pictured the suspected arsonist leaving the area of the funeral home fire on July 30.
The suspect appears to be a black male, wearing a blue mask, a black vest, a white shirt, and dark pants. The suspect is also wearing a gray backpack and carrying a white shopping bag.
SPD detectives are currently working to determine if the suspect in the released photos is responsible for all five of the fires.
Recent South Seattle fires included in the investigation
The first fire occurred on July 26 at a residence under construction in the 2000 block of 19th Avenue S. SPD reported that the estimated damage of the fire is $20,000, and no injuries were reported. This fire has been determined to be an intentional act of arson by the SFD.
The second fire was reported on July 30, at approximately 3:45 a.m. SFD responded to a structure fire at a funeral home in the 4500 block of Rainier Avenue S. SPD reported that the estimated damage of the fire is $300,000, and no injuries were reported. The funeral home fire has been determined to be an intentional act of arson by the SFD.
The third fire started om July 30, at approximatly 4:20 a.m. less than one hour after the funeral home fire. SFD responded to a fire at a residence under construction in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. SPD reported that the estimated damage of the fire is $50,000, and no injuries were reported. The residential construction fire has been determined to be an intentional act of arson by the SFD.
The fourth fire occurred on July 30, at approximately 6:40 a.m. SFD responded to a fence on fire in the 3300 block of South Hanford Street. SPD reported the estimated damage is unknown, and no injuries were reported. SFD determined that the fence fire was an intentional act of arson.
The fifth fire was reported on July 31, at approximately 5:20 a.m. SFD responded to a fire at a detached garage that carried over to the home in the 2300 block of 17th Avenue South. The estimated damage of the fire is unknown. SPD detectives labeled this fire as suspicious, and has not determined the cause of the fire. SFD did not find obvious ignition sources within the structure. The detached garage fire has not yet been determined if it is arson.
A map of the locations for the five fires across South Seattle. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206)-233-5000.
The Arson Alarm Foundation has offered a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the fires.
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