EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that investigators determined the fire was “incendiary,” meaning intentionally set. The term “arson” has not been applied, as investigators have not established criminal intent.
A fire that destroyed the historic “blue house” at Burien’s Dottie Harper Park last weekend was intentionally set, according to investigators.
As we previously reported, the blaze was first reported around 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and quickly consumed the two-story house used by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department for storage.
Fire crews from King County Fire District 2, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, and the Port of Seattle contained the flames before they spread to nearby trees.
On Monday, Oct. 27, a King County Sheriff’s Office fire investigator determined the cause was “incendiary,” meaning it was deliberately started.
No suspects have been identified.
“This facility held significant meaning to our community’s history and has served an essential role for our department in recent years,” said PaRCS Director Casey Stanley. “It housed equipment and supplies vital to the delivery of our City’s major events, large youth and senior programs, and ongoing park maintenance operations.”
Officials said the fire began outside the south side of the building and spread inside, collapsing the main floor into the basement. The structure and all of the city’s recreational equipment and event supplies stored there were declared a total loss.
The 864-square-foot house, built in 1954, once served as the Burien Arts Gallery and most recently stored supplies for major community events including Arts-A-Glow and Día de los Muertos.
The city has fenced off the property for safety while it awaits demolition. Officials said a community engagement process will help determine whether a new facility should be built.
“Staff are working to recoup what was lost and finding creative ways to replace items that were specifically made for our Arts-A-Glow, Empty Bowls, and Día de los Muertos events,” Stanley ADDED. “While this is a challenging setback for us, we will not let it get in the way of serving our community.”
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the King County Fire District 2 Fire Marshal at fmo@king2fd.org.
A fire at the Dottie Harper Park house on October 25 has resulted in the total loss of the building. Equipment and supplies stored inside were also destroyed. Anyone with information is directed to contact the KCFD2 fire marshal at fmo@king2fd.org. https://t.co/aKB5RiddH4 pic.twitter.com/UIGj8ZKXSn
— City of Burien, WA (@Burien) October 30, 2025
smart crazy people.