Tacoma pagoda fire suspicious, officials say

TACOMA – Investigators are calling the fire in the pagoda building at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma suspicious.

Assistant Fire Chief Faith Mueller told KIRO-TV the official cause is undetermined as it remains under investigation. She said the fire apparently started in the basement.

Vandals broke into the basement last week and caused some damage, the News Tribune reported.

Metro Parks officials believe the nearly century-old building can be repaired.

Fire Department spokesman Joe Meinecke said flames burned through the basement and main hall. It took about an hour to control the fire after it was reported 4:30 a.m. Friday by a Metro Parks garbage worker.

The pagoda in the park’s Japanese garden is a replica of a 17th century Japanese lodge. It’s a favored site for weddings, memorial services and parties.