Massive Fire Erupts at Seattle Homeless Encampment Close to Google Office - Watch the Video

A Massive Fire at Homeless Encampment in Seattle

A massive fire erupted at a homeless encampment in Seattle, close to a Google office building. The fire, which started on Monday near Mercer Street and Fairview Avenue, destroyed a portion of the encampment and posed a threat to residents of a nearby apartment complex.

Arrest Made in Connection with the Fire

A 46-year-old homeless man living at the camp has been arrested in connection with the fire. He claimed that the fire was accidental, caused by knocking over a candle while cleaning his tent.

Significant Damage Caused by the Fire

The fire caused significant damage, with black clouds of smoke visible throughout the city, including around prominent landmarks like buildings, bridges, and the Seattle Space Needle.

Cleanup Work Planned at the Site

City officials have announced that cleanup work will take place within the next two to three weeks at a site that was recently affected by an incident. Cleanup crews have already visited the location earlier this week, according to a spokesperson for the mayor.

Concerns Raised by Residents

A resident living near a homeless encampment expressed frustration with the city for not addressing the ongoing issue of fires being set by the homeless. The resident claimed to have called the fire department multiple times this year due to these incidents and criticized the city for prioritizing the safety of the homeless over the larger community.

Safety Concerns Surrounding the Encampment

Seattle residents have been urging the city to address a long-standing encampment issue due to safety concerns. The encampment has been a source of worry for both homeless individuals and other residents. In March, a tragic incident occurred where a woman was strangled to death at the encampment, and her body went unnoticed for four days.

Increase in Homeless Population

The homeless population in Seattle has experienced a significant increase in recent years. In 2022, the number of homeless individuals in King County, which encompasses Seattle, reached approximately 7,620 people. This figure represents a 38% rise from the previous year, as reported by the county's annual point-in-time count.