Mutiny Bay home severely damaged in ‘suspicious’ fire

Fire authorities believe foul play may have been involved in a fire that severely damaged a Mutiny Bay home early Thursday morning. South Whidbey Fire/EMS Chief Rusty Palmer said he could provide few details in the case as it remains under investigation. He did say, however, that experts have not yet determined a cause and are questioning how the blaze began.

By Justin Burnett • December 31, 2015 12:03 pm
Fire severely damaged a home in the Mutiny Bay area early Thursday. Authorities have deemed it suspicious.
Fire severely damaged a home in the Mutiny Bay area early Thursday. Authorities have deemed it suspicious.

Fire authorities believe foul play may have been involved in a fire that severely damaged a Mutiny Bay home early Thursday morning.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS Chief Rusty Palmer said he could provide few details in the case as it remains under investigation. He did say, however, that experts have not yet determined a cause and are questioning how the blaze began.

“It is suspicious,” Palmer said.

The fire district responded to a report of a fire in the single story home on Timber Lane at about 2 a.m. An occupant was in the building but escaped unharmed, the chief said. The fire was reported by a neighbor.

The blaze was centered in the living room and firefighters were able to get the flames under control before they consumed the entire building.

As of about 8 a.m., an Island County Sheriff’s deputy was guarding the building until it was light enough for a fire investigator to arrive and work.