Video: Key evidence possibly found in 'Street of Dreams' arsons

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WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Fire investigators have found a key piece of evidence at the scene of Monday's arson attack that destroyed several multi-million dollar homes in Snohomish County. 

NBC reports that investigators found a flammable liquid that didn't ignite in one home, an apparent dud.

The attack targeted the "Street of Dreams" homes, an annual showcase of luxury homes in the Seattle area, north of Woodinville, near Maltby.  Officials now hope a $100,000 reward will help solve the case. 

Federal agents will hold a news conference this morning to discuss their investigation. The FBI and ATF may not have much to add as they are still in the early stages of investigating the fire that caused $7 million in damage.

Extra security is on hand at the scene while investigators prepare for another day of sifting through the ashes and rubble.  Twenty-four hours since the fire broke out Monday, firefighters were still hosing down hot spots, making sure remaining embers don't reignite. 

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Monday's fire destroyed three Street of Dreams homes and damaged two others.

A 5-ft.-by-5-ft. hand-written sign which read "Built green? Nope BLACK!" was found near the scene of the fire Monday.  It mentioned "McMansions" and was signed ELF - Earth Liberation Front. The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is known for trying to cause economic damage to companies or organizations it considers to be harming the environment.

"That's the only thing that's consistent is the ELF banner, but the bottom line is we really don't know the authenticity of that banner," said Kevin Crenshaw, ATF. 

Despite the banner, it could take quite a while for investigators to nail down suspects.  It took almost a decade before investigators cracked a cell of ELF members responsible for more than a dozen arsons in the Pacific Northwest. 

Architects and builders connected with these homes are still shocked that apparent eco-terrorists would target these showcase homes.  

"We used this opportunity with the Street of Dreams to try to demonstrate to other people how you can build a home with less environmental impact," said Grey Lundberg, CMI Homes president. 

Law enforcement agents are reportedly questioning whether the fires were timed to coincide with jury deliberations in the federal trial of an alleged ELF member accused of helping set the 2001 fire that gutted the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture.

The Street of Dreams is an annual showcase of luxury homes in the Seattle area. The latest development is off Highway 522 at Echo Lake Drive.

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This 5-ft.-by-5-ft. note signed by ELF was discovered near the fire scene.

One of the people involved in the 2007 Street of Dreams said the homes used "Built Green" standards such as water-pervious sidewalks, super-insulated walls and windows and products made with recycled materials, such as carpet pads. Advertising for last summer's Street of Dreams show focused on the environmentally friendly aspects of the homes, which were smaller than some of the huge houses featured in years past.

The homes that burned were between 4,200 and 4,750 square feet in size, with prices up to nearly $2 million.

Reward offered

The Building Industry Association of Washington and the FBI are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The Northwest Insurance Council is offering a separate $10,000 reward.

Anyone who has knowledge of these fires is asked to call the Arson Hotline (800-55-ARSON) or contact authorities. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.