SEATTLE -- Firefighters are dealing with a fourth overnight arson in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood.
The latest fire was discovered behind the Greenwood Quick Stop Grocery store in the 8100 block of Greenwood Avenue North at about 7:45 a.m.
"They were just opening up for business and she opened up the door, smoke was coming out. So, I went inside to see if something inside was on fire. (I) couldn't find anything so I thought maybe the house next door was on fire," said Bill Meserole, who was waiting to shop at the store. "(I) went around back and seen that somebody had pulled a wire mesh vent cover back and tried to light the business on fire."
Damage is estimated at about $500.
There were three other fires overnight in the neighborhood. They have also been declared arsons.
Fire Department spokeswoman Dana Vander Houwen says two fires were set about 11 p.m. Sunday between two buildings on N. 78th Street at Greenwood Avenue N.
KING5 News reports the fires were set in two places in a breezeway between an apartment building and a business called Moon Photo.
Officials said the fires were intentionally set and caused about $1,000 damage before they were put out.
The third fire was reported by an arson patrol in the area that smelled smoke about 4 a.m. Monday. It was set in the back of a restaurant called "Olive You" in the 8500 block of Greenwood Avenue N. It caused about $20,000 damage to the back wall of the restaurant.
There were no reported injuries in any of the fires.
Vander Houwen says there have been five fires in the neighborhood in two weeks and other fires were reported there in June and August.
The worst was a fire on Oct. 23 that destroyed four restaurants and cause $2 million damage.
The fires have put the entire neighborhood on edge.
"I really hope it stops before it gets any closer than it already has to where people live. I guess we have been lucky, in a twisted way, that it's been businesses that have been targeted. But either way, you know, it's still the livelihood of people one way or the other, " said Glen Rice, a resident in the neighborhood. "So, I just really hope this is over like today."
"These aren't just buildings. These are businesses with people that own them, that we know and like." said Julie Tackett. "And when I'm seeing smoke and buildings burning I'm thinking about people not buildings."
"I've lived in this neighborhood my whole life and this is very scary. I just, I've never seen anything like this," says Jennie Danielson.
A community meeting will be held Tueday evening to discuss the recent string of fires. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Upper Crust Catering at 8420 Greenwood Ave. N.
There is a $10,000 reward in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-55-ARSON.
