Snoqualmie Police arrested a North Bend man in his 30s on suspicion of arson Tuesday, as firefighters from Snoqualmie and Eastside Fire & Rescue fought a large fire on the Meadowbrook Bridge in Snoqualmie.
The fire was reported at 4:43 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. In addition to the firefighters called to the scene, King County Fire Investigator Gerry Kenny was also dispatched to the apparent arson.
“It was an arson, because we had some witnesses that placed the subject at the scene,” Kenny said. Witnesses reported seeing a man leaving the bridge around the time of the fire.
Firefighters attacked the blaze aggressively and prevented its spreading, but there was some damage to the bridge. The trestle was closed Tuesday while King County officials assessed the damage. It’s unclear when the bridge will be reopened.
“At the time of the fire, there were two people on the bridge, but no one was injured,” said King County Sheriff’s spokeswoman DB Gates.
Kenny could not comment on possible charges against the suspected arsonist Wednesday morning, but by the early afternoon, Gates said the office intended to recommend charges of first-degree arson against the man, who is in his 30s. The charge is a class A felony, with a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both.
