TACOMA — Investigators are calling the fire in the pagoda building at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma suspicious.
Assistant Fire Chief Faith Mueller told KIRO-TV the official cause is undetermined as it remains under investigation. She says the fire apparently started in the basement.
The News Tribune reports vandals broke into the basement last week and caused some damage.
Metro Parks officials believe the nearly century-old building can be repaired.
Fire Department spokesman Joe Meinecke says flames burned through the basement and main hall. It took about an hour to control the fire after it was reported 4:30 a.m. Friday by a Metro Parks garbage worker.
The pagoda in the park’s Japanese garden is a replica of a 17th century Japanese lodge. It’s a favored site for weddings, memorial services and parties.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
