Arson caused Dec. 15 Olympia fire, investigators say. Two men are persons of interest

Martín Bilbao
·2 min read

Arson caused the downtown Olympia fire that destroyed an apartment building on Dec. 15, investigators say.

Investigators are asking the public for help identifying two people of interest in the case.

The blaze engulfed the under-construction Market Flats apartment complex at the intersection of Olympia Avenue and Capital Way North. Four of the fire stories collapsed in the blaze and several nearby buildings were either damaged or destroyed.

Olympia firefighters responded to the blaze around 5 a.m. and got the fire under control before 10 a.m. that December morning. Although much was damaged, no one was hurt.

In the aftermath, local fire crews sifted through the destruction and investigated the cause with the help of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (AFT).

A joint investigation ultimately determined arson caused the blaze, according to a Tuesday city news release. Officials estimate the fire resulted in $5 million to $7 million in property damage.

The two people of interest in the case can be seen in blurry images released by city police. In the images, one wears jeans and a gray hoodie with a red beanie and dark face covering while the other wears all dark colors and carries a backpack.

Federal investigators are offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Dec. 15 blaze that destroyed a downtown Olympia apartment building.
Federal investigators are offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Dec. 15 blaze that destroyed a downtown Olympia apartment building.

Anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire may get up to $5,000 as a reward from the AFT.

Investigators can be contacted at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), through email at ATFTips@atf.gov, or through its website.

In the days after the destruction, people across the city and county rallied to financially support those affected by the blaze.

The United Way of Thurston County activated its Emergency Assistance Fund, and many GoFundMe pages were started to help business owners and families seeking relief.

Among the other buildings that were damaged were Pete Lea’s Automotive Medical Center, Revival Motors and Coffee Company, and Ziegler’s Welding.

Work continues Wednesday at the site of the Dec 15. 2021 fire at the Market Flats construction project in downtown Olympia. The fire destroyed the building and seriously damaged several neighboring business, including Pete Lea’s auto shop. Investigators announced this week that the cause of the blaze was arson.
Work continues Wednesday at the site of the Dec 15. 2021 fire at the Market Flats construction project in downtown Olympia. The fire destroyed the building and seriously damaged several neighboring business, including Pete Lea’s auto shop. Investigators announced this week that the cause of the blaze was arson.