Deputies Suspect Arson After Fire At Islamic Center Of Tacoma

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department says it suspects a Monday night fire at the Islamic Center of Tacoma may have been intentionally set, and are launching an arson investigation.

The fire started around 8:10 p.m. Monday night, deputies said. Both West Pierce Fire and University Place Police were called to assist the mosque on Bridgeport Way.

According to deputies, there were occupants inside the building when the fire started — the Islamic Center's website shows an evening prayer is regularly scheduled at the mosque from 7:50 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. — but everyone managed to safely evacuate, and no injuries have been reported.

Detectives have not officially called the fire a hate crime, only saying that it "may have been intentionally set" and that they have initiated an arson investigation. However, the center's imam told The News Tribune the fire had left his community in shock, and the left the building unusable.

The incident is the latest in a series of arson incidents across Puget Sound. In July, a fire damaged seven White Center businesses and destroyed the Lumber Yard, a popular LGBTQIA+ venue, Seattle Eater reported. And in August, Puget Sound Fire confirmed its arson investigators were looking into a series of vehicle fires in SeaTac, Burien and Tukwila.