Resident of Bremerton’s Midway Inn investigated for arson after 2-alarm fire displaces 50

Fire marshals working with the Bremerton Fire Department (BFD) are investigating a resident of the Midway Inn for arson after crews put out a 2-alarm fire at the motel Sunday.

The fire displaced all 50 residents of the motel on 2909 Wheaton Way. Medics transported five to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment of minor burns.

One resident dislocated their shoulder after forcing entry into the room of a wheelchair-bound individual who required assistance evacuating the building.

A spokesperson with the BFD estimates that residents will be able to return to the motel in a matter of days, although the room on the second floor in which the arsonist started the fire requires repair and will be uninhabitable “for quite some time,” John Payne, assistant fire chief with the BFD, told KIRO Newsradio.

“It’s an older build we’ve had in town. It’s nice for people … that get housed there. They kind of need it for the longer term … It’s primarily been used by the county to help take care of those in need, kind of a transient population for long-term stays,” Payne said.

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Payne noted that the arson suspect is a resident of the Midway Inn who “had good discussions” with police and fire investigators Sunday morning.

“He was transported to a hospital because of his injuries. I suspect, after that, he will probably be taken by law enforcement — if he hasn’t been already,” Payne added.

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