“Domestic terrorism” is suspected in fires early Monday that destroyed three multimillion-dollar homes and damaged a fourth in the Seattle area.
Damage was estimated at $7 million.
Explosive devices were found inside the homes.
And nearby, a spray-painted sign bearing the initials of the Earth Liberation Front challenged builders’ assertion that the homes featured environmentally responsible construction methods.
Television news video showed the sign, which read: “Built Green? Nope black! McMansions in RCDs r not green. ELF”
The initials “RCD” refers to “rural cluster development.”
The Earth Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for other arsons, including one at the University of Washington in 2001 for which a woman is now on trial in Tacoma.
The damaged homes, all unoccupied, were between 4,200 and 4,750 square feet in size, with prices up to nearly $2 million.
No injuries were reported. A terrorism task force which includes police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating.
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Investigators stopped short of blaming the ELF for today’s fires, but acknowledged finding the sign with the group’s initials.
“It’s sad. It’s just a shock,” said builder Grey Lundberg. He said he and other developers at the site had worked hard to build homes that were as environmentally friendly as possible, filled with such features as high-efficiency insulation and recycled materials.
He noted his company recently received an award from the National Association of Home Builders for its “green,” or environmental, qualities and the overall quality of the construction.