Tragedy struck at the Mary Pang warehouse incident  that  occurred on January 5, 1995, an arson-caused fire – that was deemed to be a well-played out plan by the owner’s son for insurance money.  He had hoped that  if it burned down, he would reap a large payout.

As it turned out, many people and Officials were aware of this planned attack on a Seattle business but the day to carry out the arsonist’s intentions came and went.  Soon afterwards after the intended date, the fire eventually took place and the intensity was well publicized.  It was also the day, the arsonist murdered four great Seattle Firemen and destroying hundreds of lives and those who were deeply impacted by their losses to their immediate families, Fire Department, fellow Fire Brothers and Sisters, communities and those indirectly.

I wrote a short story, Seattle Mourn from the viewpoint of a fictious reporter but based upon actual Fire Investigative reports, media news and publications, eyewitness accounts and listening to audio coverage as the fire incident unfolded on that horrendous day.  As a former Firefighter REHAB volunteer, I can only imagine the intensity, the smells, the sounds and the large number of Fire personnel arriving on scene.  This story was inspired by these amazing men – Lt. Walter Kilgore, Lt. Gregory Shoemaker, Firefighters James Brown and Randall Terlicker who lost their lives on this tragic day and published in an anthology, Felons, Flames and Ambulance Rides released July 2013.

Their lives will be forever remembered and what they stood for.  Please take a little moment and say a prayer remembering those who are still greatly affected by their loss by their families, friends, Fire brothers and sisters.  We Will Never Forget.

~ LR Swenson, Editor/Owner