The fire scene is about the size of a football field and was completely destroyed
Phillip Durham, Special Agent in Charge, NRT, ATF

Fire Investigators have determined that the October 30 fire that caused an estimated $3.5 million in damages to the Modern Furniture Manufacturers in Arlington, Wash., was intentionally set, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Durham, of the National Response Team, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Chief Jim Rankin, Arlington Fire Department and Chief John Gray, Arlington Police Department, announced today.

Over 30 ATF agents, including 18 members of ATF's National Response Team, have been working with investigators from the Arlington Police and Fire Departments, and the Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office regarding the cause of the fire.

"The fire scene is about the size of a football field and was completely destroyed," said Durham. "The process used to determine that the fire was intentionally set included a very systematic approach to collecting and analyzing evidence."

ATF was requested to assist due to the size and significance of the fire. ATF is the Federal law enforcement agency with expertise and jurisdiction for investigating arson.

"Now that we have determined the fire was intentionally set, the Arlington Fire Department is committed to working cooperatively with our fire and law enforcement partners," emphasized Rankin.

"The ATF agents stationed in Seattle will continue this criminal investigation with the Arlington Police Department," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelvin N. Crenshaw, Seattle Field Division. "Arson is a crime of violence and ATF is committed to investigating all leads in an effort to reach a successful conclusion."