Fremont fires intentionally set, officials say

SEATTLE -- Seattle fire investigators say two fires in the Fremont neighborhood that damaged businesses and shut down a major intersection Monday morning were deliberately set.

The first fire happened in an alley at about 3:45 a.m. and quickly spread to two businesses on North 36th Street.

The fire burned a deck and damaged the Habitude hair salon and spa and Red Star Taco Bar.  It took about 90 minutes for firefighters to contain the blaze.

Less than 30 minutes later, fire crews were called to a smaller fire burning outside another building in the 400 block of North 36th Street.

Investigators say the two fires caused about $200,000 in damage. Police are taking over the follow-up investigation.