Beach at Saltwater Park closed during arson investigation

Most of the burn was on Burlington Northern property
Shoreline Area News photo

The upper portion of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is now open for regular park use. The bridge and beach area will remain closed for the Shoreline Fire Department's arson investigation and monitoring of the burned area.

Once the investigation is complete and the Fire Department feels the area is safe the beach area of the park will be reopened.

Arson fire at Saltwater Park is being investigated by Shoreline Fire
Shoreline Area News photo

The fire on Monday, Aug. 27 at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park burned approximately 2 acres of scotch broom and blackberry with no damage to any park facilities although the fire came very close to the restroom on the beach and the picnic shelter at the beach. There was no damage to the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks.

The majority of the burned area was on Burlington Northern property with less than an acre of park property affected. The fire is being investigated as an arson by fire investigators.

The fire broke out around 7:30pm and was brought under control by 9:30pm. All available Shoreline Fire Department crews were at the scene and neighboring fire departments assisted with other emergency calls throughout the evening.