[1]North Pearl Street fire / Courtesy photo by Lisa Burgess
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The cause of a fire that extensively damaged a vacant house last night in Centralia is under investigation and police are calling it suspicious.
A “boom” was heard and then flames seen inside the home at the 1800 block of North Pearl Street, just moments after a vehicle was seen, as well as people entering the building, according to Riverside Fire Authority.
Firefighters called about 9:20 p.m. found an estimated 70 percent of the first floor already burning, according to Capt. Tim Adolphsen.
The fire was extinguished and nobody found inside, Adolphsen said in a brief summary via email.
The police and fire departments are investigating.