Seattle firefighters investigating two Fremont fires that burned just a block apart

Update: Investigators say these fires were the work of an arsonist.

Update: Seattle Fire says it’s investigating two fires in Fremont overnight, including a fire that damaged Habitude Salon and Red Star Taco Bar in the 500 block of N. 36th St.

“The first arriving unit reported heavy fire in the alley that was spreading into a building and called for a second alarm,” Seattle Fire said about the first blaze, which was reported at 3:46 a.m.

Then 26 minutes later, firefighters were dispatched to a second fire just a block away at 400 N. 46th St. “The first arriving unit reported a small fire on the exterior of a building that was quickly extinguished,” the fire department said.

Both fires are under investigation. While firefighters have yet to call the two fires suspicious, the close timing, proximity and nature (originating outside the buildings) of the fires certainly indicate that they may have been intentionally set.

Fortunately, there were no injuries.

Earlier: According to KOMO News, the fire was reported in the alleyway on the 500 block of N. 36th St just before 4am this morning. When firefighters arrived, they found the fire had spread to multiple businesses. While they worked to extinguish the fire, they learned of another fire nearby, on the 400 block of N. 36th St.

Both fires have been extinguished and investigators are still on the scene.

No word on the extent of the damage to the nearby businesses.

We’ll update when we know more.

Photo from Seattle Fire Department’s Twitter feed