House fire termed suspicious, investigation continues

Published 8:30 am Friday, February 24, 2023

The Hoquiam Police Department is continuing its investigation into a house fire last week, awaiting results from samples taken from the site.

The power to the residence, located off of Laurel Street, had been disconnected by the Public Utility District, raising suspicions, said Chief Joe Strong. Live power is a factor in many accidental fires, Strong said.

“Police and fire are continuing to investigate the suspicious nature of the fire,” Strong said in an interview. “We have confirmed there was no power to the residence. With a lack of a power source, it eliminates many potential causes.”

Investigators are working with the Washington State Patrol to analyze samples found at the scene.

“Our arson investigator sees multiple items to be sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab to determine if the fire was intentionally set,” Strong said. “Testing of these items could take from several weeks to several months.”

Many details aren’t released during early stages of an investigation, as doing so could compromise any legal proceedings that might follow.

Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.