Greenwood fire ruled arson

The fire that gutted four businesses in the heart of Greenwood's business district last Friday was deliberately set, according to the Seattle Fire Department.

Fire investigators determined that an unknown person started the fire in The Green Bean Coffee House at 210 N. 85th St., Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Helen Fitzpatrick said today.

The fire destroyed the cafe and three other restaurants. Damage to the structures and contents was estimated at $2 million, Fitzpatrick said.

The arson investigation has now been turned over to Seattle police, she said.

Last Friday, a passer-by called 911 just before 4 a.m. to report smoke in the area. When the first firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the buildings and smoke was billowing from the roof.

Though firefighters initially tried to battle the blaze from inside the businesses, they were pulled out by an incident commander and took a defensive stance, working to protect two adjacent buildings, fire spokeswoman Dana Vander Houwen said at the time.

The roof of the building housing the coffee shop and three restaurants collapsed. Two adjacent buildings, including the Tap Root Theatre, suffered smoke and water damage.