Argument precedes Seattle arson fire; no injuries

SEATTLE — Seattle police say eight people had to flee when a south Seattle house was intentionally set on fire after an argument. No one was hurt.

Detective Jeff Kappel says a preliminary investigation indicates that a man involved in an argument with his girlfriend assaulted her, then retreated to a back room and set the house on fire Tuesday afternoon. The man fled.

Seattle Fire Department spokesman Kyle Moore said the fire has been determined to be arson. He says damage is estimated at $250,000.

Firefighters had the blaze under control within an hour.