Fire in City-Owned Apartment Possibly Started by Transient Squatters

A recent fire on city-owned property was likely caused by transients using a camping stove, according to the University Place Police report. 

The apartment, located on the 7000 block of 36th St. Ct. W., is owned by the City of UP and is part of the Town Center development project, according to the building manager. The 12-unit building has been vacant for several years, with power and utilties shut off.

A passerby called 911 and reported black smoke coming from one of the unit windows just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013. West Pierce Fire and Rescue extinguished the fire and UP police investigated the incident.

Inside the unit, officers found discarded clothing, graffiti, garbage and other indications that transients had been living there and possibly started the fire.

All of the doors and windows of the unit were boarded up, except for a small kitchen window, according to fire investigators. A camping stove was determined to be the source; there was a small fire extinguisher nearby that someone attempted to use to put out the flames. 

No one was located in the abandoned building and neighbors didn't see or hear anyone suspicious. 

The apartment manager told the reporting officer that her staff at the complex attempt to keep an eye on building, but transients have been finding their way inside. 

UP Public Works was called to secure the building.