Contact: Jody Matson
Public Information Officer
(360) 779-3997
8/5/08
For Immediate Release: Firefighters respond to veterinary clinic arson fire
(Poulsbo, Kitsap County) Poulsbo Fire Department, Navy Region Northwest, and North Kitsap Fire and Rescue responded to a fire this evening shortly after 7pm on Big Valley. When firefighters arrived on scene, there were flames and heavy smoke coming from the building. The structure is home to a veterinary clinic on one side, and an office on the other. There is also a second story apartment located above the clinic. The 49 year old female resident was home at the time of the fire. “I heard footsteps coming up the stairs to my apartment. Then I’m told to get out of the building, it’s on fire!” The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that the fire was arson and the suspect has been arrested. No one was injured in the fire, but the clinic’s owner lost his cat due to smoke inhalation. The fire destroyed the office space, but firefighters were able to save the rest of the building. The clinic and second story apartment received smoke damage and according to the Kitsap County Fire Marshal, there is well over $200,000 in damages.
