Seemingly all of Greenwood turned out for the Nov. 10 meeting hosted by the Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Police Department to answer questions about the string of arsons plaguing the neighborhood.

Hundreds of residents packed the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church's basement, spilling out into the foyer and the upstairs sanctuary.

Seattle Fire Marshal John Nelson opened the meeting by saying he was as nervous about the over-capacity crowd crammed into the church as about the meeting's topic.

"In order to get as many people in here as possible, I'm stretching my comfort level," he said.

Assistant Fire Chief Alan Vickery, a Greenwood resident, told the crowed that there have been 14 non-accidental fires, most of them damaging businesses, in the Greenwood area since June.

The most recent fires have damaged 11 businesses since Oct. 23.

The police and fire department have teamed up and requested assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to solve the recent arson attacks, Vickery said.

He said the Seattle Fire Department takes arson seriously because it has lost six firefighters to arson over the past 20 years.

If even an odor of smoke is detected, multiple fire engines will be dispatched to investigate, Vickery said.

He said neighbors should call 911 if they see anything suspicious and remove all combustible material from around their homes and businesses.

Assistant Chief Paul McDonagh of the Seattle Police Department seconded the importance of the public sharing information with the authorities.

He said arsons are difficult to investigate because any evidence is often destroyed in the fire.

Tips from the public allowed the police to make an arrest in the investigation into the murder of Officer Timothy Brenton in the past week and could make the difference in this investigation, McDonagh said.

"You know what's normal for your neighborhood," he said. "If you see something out of place, call 911."

Nelson said the Mayor's Office is working with Seattle Public Utilities to remove combustible material near buildings.

"It really doesn't take more than a handful of paper or cardboard to cause major damage," he said.

The police and fire departments are conducting regular arson patrols, both visible and undercover, and the city can be called about safety concerns, such as a build up of trash near a building or burnt out street lights.

But, representatives of both departments took every opportunity during the public's questions to urge the the neighborhood to work together.

"We have an obligation to help each other," Vickery said. "Help your neighbor, and work within your community."

The police would not release any information, such as evidence, leads or a suspect profile, pertaining to the investigation when questioned by meeting attendees.

The most recent fires caused damage to three businesses late Nov. 8 and early Nov. 9.

Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors are conducting three walks to patrol the neighborhood that residents may sign up for.

The first walk will start at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Greenwood Fire Station, located at 7304 Greenwood Ave. N.

The second walk starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Greenwood Park, located at North 87th Street and Fremont Avenue North.

The third walk is at 2 p.m. Nov. 21 beginning in the parking lot behind Olive You.

A Fire Relief Fund has been set up at the Greenwood Chase branch.

Anyone with information about the arsons is encouraged to call the Arson Hotline (800-55-ARSON) or local authorities.

The reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist is now at $25,000 after Taproot Theatre, one of the damaged businesses, added $15,000 to the $10,000 being offered by the NW Insurance Council and Arson Alarm Foundation.