EVERETT — A two-alarm fire that scorched a business in downtown Everett early Monday morning is being called “suspicious” by Everett police.
Firefighters were called shortly after midnight to Mike’s Performance Automotive in the 2900 block of Rucker Avenue, Everett Assistant Fire Marshal Steve Goforth said.
Crews battled flames on a night that brought 5 inches of snow to the city, and fire department resources were stretched thin while responding to crashes and downed power lines. Further adding to complications, that stretch of Rucker has been under construction for months, giving fire engines little wiggle room.
Firefighters extinguished the flames quickly, and neighboring businesses were spared damage, Goforth said. No injuries were reported.
Detectives were investigating the scene Monday to determine if the cause was arson, Everett police officer Kerby Duncan said. Authorities found a gas can behind the business, where the fire appeared to have started.
Goforth couldn’t confirm if the gas can was used to spark the fire.
“Everything’s on the table,” he said. “We haven’t ruled out anything.”
Mike’s Performance has been at the address since July 2018, according to state records. Previously, La Grande Auto Repair was at the address.
Zachariah Bryan: 425-339-3431; zbryan@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @zachariahtb.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
