Burning bush at Dairy Queen intentionally set, officials believe

A small bush fire outside the Highway 305 Dairy Queen Tuesday was extinguished by employees with an extinguisher and garden hose before fire engines arrived.

Fire officials are considering the fire arson because it appeared to be intentionally set, according to a statement from the Poulsbo Fire Department.

And because the bush caught on fire while a group of teenagers lingered in the area, Poulsbo Fire officials are asking parents with concerns about their kids’ “firesetter behavior” to contact their local fire departments.

Poulsbo Fire Department, North Kitsap Fire and Rescue, Bainbridge Island Fire Department and Navy Region Northwest responded to the fire, reported to be a structure fire.

The building was not damaged.

When asked about the cause of the fire, a group of teenagers watching the smoldering bush said they did not see what happened.

An intentionally set fire in July destroyed Arnold’s Furniture Store in Bremerton. The blaze is thought to have been started by teenagers, raising concerns about teens playing with fire.

Kitsap County fire departments have staff that can interview children about their interest in fire-starting. If the interview finding indicates the child’s behavior is more than just curiosity fire department staff can make a referral for professional counseling.

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