Crime & Safety

JBLM Fires Displace Families, Prompt Investigation

Joint Base Commander H. Charles Hodges Jr., is hosting Town Hall meeting Tuesday night to discuss the recent house fires with base residents.

Fires at family homes on Joint Base Lewis-McChord have displaced seven families through June, July and August - and caught the attention of the Criminal Investigation Division.

Joint Base Commander H. Charles Hodges, Jr. wrote a letter to family housing residents of JBLM on Aug. 12, informing them of the ongoing investigation and of a Town Hall meeting this evening, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m.Β 

"I am asking all residents to be patient and not interfere in the ongoing criminal investigation," Hodges said. "This includes not speculating on the cause of the fires or the investigation."

Fires occurred on June 9, June 17, July 29, Aug. 6 and Aug. 8. Both June fires were determined to stem from problems within the houses themselves, such as misuse of electrical cords and faulty appliances. The others are still under investigation by the CID and the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES).

Hodges wrote that he met last week with CID, DES and JBLM housing to discuss a way forward.

"In the meantime, however, I am confident the electrical systems in your houses are safe, and were not a contributing factor in any of these fires," Hodges wrote. "The safety of the JBLM community is my number one priority, and therefore, I ask that everyone be vigilant."

Residents may call the JBLM Military Police at (253) 967-3107 or (253) 967-7112, or 911, if you see suspicious activity.

The Town Hall meeting tonight is at 6 p.m. at Lewis Main French Theatre on Pendleton Ave. and 2nd Street.


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