Possible arson burns Southern Heights Elementary School in Burien Tuesday night

A suspicious late-night brush fire that quickly spread to the roof of Southern Heights Elementary School in Burien was reported to 911 at 11:16 p.m. on Tuesday night, July 9. 2024.

The first fire engine arrived six minutes later and began applying water to the blaze. By the time additional firefighters arrived, the fire had climbed an exterior wall and reached the roof area above the school’s gym, triggering the building’s fire alarm at 11:25 p.m.

To contain the fire and prevent debris and embers from spreading to nearby homes, firefighters deployed two ladder trucks with aerial master streams.

The fire may be the result of arson, possibly caused by someone setting off fireworks.

“The King County Fire Investigation Unit is leading the investigation into this incident,” Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Ray Desmarais told The B-Town Blog. “They’ve been provided with video footage of a black sedan with multiple occupants that light what appears to be a firework, leading to the fire in the shrubs that extended into the roof.”

Investigators Seeking Public’s Help

If anyone has any video footage of a black sedan around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday night in that area, please reach out to the King County Fire Investigation Unit here:

• Phone: 206-263-2070
• Fax: 206-296-6674

Photos

Below are photos from the scene, courtesy Bill Vogel: