In the pre‑dawn hours of July 30, 2025, firefighters battled a major blaze at the Columbia Funeral Home and Crematory in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) received the first fire reports at 3:46 a.m. and found the historic building—serving the community since 1907—already engulfed in heavy flames upon arrival

• Arrival and Response: Crews arrived to find the funeral home fully involved. They established a defensive firefighting strategy, applying water externally due to the intensity.KOMO+1KOMO+1

• Containment: The fire was brought under control by 5:23 a.m., with firefighters focusing on extinguishing hotspots. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.KOMO+1KOMO+1

• Arson Determination: The incident has been classified as intentionally set, and authorities are actively investigating.KIRO 7 News Seattle+13FOX 13 Seattle+13FOX 13 Seattle+13

The president of the funeral home, Russ Weeks, described the situation as overwhelming: “I’m a little bit overwhelmed, a little bit in shock… not sure what the next steps are.” On the emotional toll, he added, “That’s probably the most challenging thing for me.”KOMO+1KOMO+1

📍 Community Significance

The Columbia Funeral Home had served Seattle for well over a century. Its chapel has hosted services for figures like Jimi Hendrix and Governor Albert Rosellini. Simret Desta, a nearby resident who had recently attended services there, shared, “It breaks my heart… to see it this way.”KOMO+1KOMO+1

🔥 Related Incident Nearby

At approximately 4:20 a.m., roughly two miles away in Mount Baker, another fire erupted at a home under construction on South Hanford Street.KIRO 7 News Seattle+7KOMO+7KOMO+7

• Intensity: Eyewitnesses described the heat as palpable—cars melted, and a utility pole was damaged.FOX 13 Seattle

• Evacuations and Control: Fire crews evacuated nearby homes and brought the fire under control by 4:50 a.m., fully extinguished by 5:09 a.m.KOMO+1KOMO+1

• Cause: That blaze was also deemed intentional, and investigations by Seattle authorities are underway.KOMO

💬 Reaction and Aftermath

• Funeral Home Status: No staff were inside at the time of the fire. The business has temporarily relocated its operations to a Kent facility while searching for a new site nearby. Several funeral providers have offered support and assistance.FOX 13 Seattle

• Law Enforcement: SFD investigators determined both fires were the result of deliberate arson and have referred findings to the Seattle Police Department.FOX 13 Seattle

🧯 Key Highlights

🔎 Why It Matters

• The Columbia Funeral Home is a long-standing pillar in the historic Columbia City district. Its destruction represents a deep wound for the community.

• The timing and proximity of the second fire highlight potential coordinated intent, raising concerns about public safety and arson motives.

• No injuries or loss of life—especially of remains under care—is fortunate, yet the emotional and cultural toll is significant.