Historic SnoCo Building Fire Caused By Arson: Police

EVERETT, WA - Fire investigators on Wednesday announced the destruction of the Judd & Black Appliance store in September 2018 was caused by arson. Everett police are following suspect leads but have not made an arrest in the case at this time.

The Judd & Black fire occurred Sept. 22 and ultimately destroyed the century-old building at 3001 Hewitt Ave., in which the business was located. Fire investigators at the time estimated the loss at more than $3 million, which included the value of the building ($1.5 million) and the value of the lost inventory ($2 million).

Investigators on Wednesday said the fire was started outside the business. Built in 1892, the building did not have a fire suppression system installed, Everett police said.

Following the fire, investigators closed two northbound lanes of Maple Street in the 2800-block reportedly because the structural integrity of the building was in question. Now, only one northbound lane remains closed, police said.

The westside of the building is reportedly being held up by 30 to 40 blocks, weighing thousands of pounds each, and large boards riveted to the structure. Everett police could not confirm the building's future.

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Image via Google Maps (one month before the fire)