VIDEO/PHOTOS: Investigators determined that a large fire that damaged five buildings in downtown Olympia back in December was arson.
Crews responded to a report of a commercial fire around 5:00 a.m. at 302 Capitol Way North on Dec. 15. The building was a 5-story residential project that was still under construction.
"It was a big fireball that just kind of blasted up in the air," said Tim Jenson, who witnessed the massive fire. "Within about 60 seconds it had expanded to cover about half the roof."
Kevin Bossard, assistant chief of operations with the Olympia Fire Department, told The Olympian the building is a total loss.
Fire officials said the fire started in the five-story building and spread to four other buildings. No injuries were reported.