A community auto shop in Seattle was destroyed in what its owner says was a deliberate arson, leaving melted equipment, charred debris and the lingering smell of smoke at Ants Community Garage. The July 28 fire wiped out in a matter of minutes work that had been built up over a long time, and nearly two weeks later the property remains fenced off as the cleanup and investigation continue.
Surveillance video from the day of the fire captured someone walking into the shop's restroom carrying a bottle shortly before the blaze broke out, footage that pointed the owner and investigators toward an intentional act rather than an accident. The recording has become a central piece of the case as authorities try to identify the person responsible for setting the fire at the business.
Owner and founder Alistair Finn said he never expected the business would frustrate anyone to the point that they would want to come in and burn it down, calling it a question that keeps him up at night. Finn, who said he built the shop with his own hands, painted its walls and stocked its toolboxes, described the emotional toll of standing amid the wreckage of something he had created himself.
Finn credited one of his employees, Elijah, with quickly getting everyone out of the building as the fire took hold, which he said was the reason no one was hurt that day. The rapid evacuation helped prevent what could have been a far more serious outcome, given how quickly the flames and smoke spread through the garage before crews could bring the fire under control.
The damage is extensive, with Finn estimating it could cost more than 250,000 dollars to repair everything that was lost in the blaze. As of Monday afternoon the garage was still fenced off and out of operation, and Finn said he was continuing to work with his insurance company to determine how much of the loss would ultimately be covered as he weighs the path to reopening.
No arrests had been made as of Monday afternoon, and Finn urged the person responsible to turn himself in. A GoFundMe has been set up to help him rebuild the shop, which he described as an anchor for a car community in Seattle where people could save money, connect with one another and learn, and he said he was determined to bring the business back as soon as he can.