Valley Regional Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and flames from a garage on I St NE & 22nd St NE early Thursday morning. According to the VRFA twitter, “the garage was well involved when crews arrived and had started to spread to a nearby apartment complex.”
Arson in Auburn WA | Video Courtesy Natasha Webster
Auburn Police Commander Mike Hirman explained that nearby Auburn residents witnessed a woman set a garage on fire just after 6:15 am this morning. These citizens then “detained her, called 911; we arrived and arrested her.” She was taken to SCORE and booked on Reckless Burning.
The woman arrested is Melissa Marshall, a known homeless woman who has frequented the North Auburn area for years. Marshall is known to police and according to court records, this is not her first offense.
Auburn Food Bank Director Debbie Christian confirmed she knew of Marshall, and that she is homeless. Christian also confirmed that Marshall has never received services at the Ray of Hope resource center.
I St NE Arson, Auburn WA | Video courtesy Luz Vargas
Approximately an hour after responding to the call, VRFA tweeted that “the fire is under control and there are no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.” Hirman confirmed that damage to the nearby apartment complex was limited to some of the siding melting. The home next to the garage is boarded up, and according to Hirman was previously was damaged by fireworks during the July Fourth season.
VRFA have shared that two adult residents of the apartment complex have been displaced due to fire and water damage in their unit. The Red Cross is assisting these residents.
Last Updated: 7/18/19 11:08 AM, information from VRFA.
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