Renton Fire Chief says no one hurt

According to Renton Fire Chief David Daniels, there are no injuries that are known of concerning the 5 Alarm Fire in the Renton Highlands/Sunset Hills area tonight. The Harrington Court apartment complex was about 50% completed when it broke out into flames this evening just a little before 8 pm.
Here is a link to the story that this posting references here.

Huge fire in Renton claims complex

At a few minutes of eight this evening the sirens began to sound and people left their homes to see a huge column of bright orange flames topped by a large plume of black smoke drift from the Sunset Hills area of Renton. The above photo is on Houser Way, near the Value Village Store and you can see that the flames are incredibly visible even from this distance. After the 5 Alarm Fire in downtown Renton only days ago, citizens are more sensitive to the sound of the fire truck and medics as they charged up the hill.

This is a Tukwila fire engine responding just minutes before eight and heading up 4th street to get at the fire through the "back door". I was not able to go onto the side of Sunset Ave to see the effect of the fire from there, but I saw a few medic vans battling traffic on the side streets even this early in the fire and knew that streets were quickly being shut off.

These photos are all taken from the park behind Highlands Elementary School and from the school's playground itself. This is when it pays to be on a bike. People had to leave their cars and walk to see what was occurring. Most were from the neighborhood at large. Everyone could see the flames and the shock of the initial fire sent a shake and shiver through homes all around. Not unlike the feeling of an earthquake shutter and the sound of a loud "pop". Folks knew something was not right.

This is at the corner of NE 9th Street and Harrington, where a very new and large apartment complex called Harrington Square was under construction. The outside balconies were just beginning to be built and new appliances were seen being delivered to outfit the interiors within the last day or so. These were as yet unoccupied residences.

Rather ironic is the fact that at this very corner, in what now houses the Pablanos Auto Repair on NE 9th, this brick building once was the fire station. It was moved to NE 12th Street sometime ago.

On this corner there was also an Espresso Stand - and all that is left of that structure is the sign that is hanging up right next to the swinging stop light that you can just make out in the above photo. (As I write this to you in North Renton the air is full of heavy smoke wafting through my open window).

These are all of the neighbors who have come through the opened gates at the Highland Elementary School and are standing in what is the baseball field which happens to be exactly at the corner where the burning fire is located. Everyone is on their phone, taking photos, taking videos. The news is spreading like the wild fire that burns in front of us through the ease of modern technology. Everyone is a mini-journalist to an audience of friends and family.

This is a fire engine from Bellevue that has come to Renton's aid. This fire IS a 4 ALARM FIRE and is much larger than the one we just went through downtown. This will have brought in far more than the 119 firemen that we had on June 11th. Already, we have fire stations included in this fire that didn't have to come to our aid the last time. You can see that the spout of fire causes a rainbow effect in the air that is not occluded by smoke. Alongside of where this engine sits are single level small apartment units that seem to be out of harms way.

In this photo, later on, you can see that the bulk of the large shooting flames have been put out and an entirely large portion of this apartment complex is completely gone.

However, just as that portion of the flames die, what I think maybe a private residence on the corner of NE 9th and Harrington suddenly bursts into flames and the roof begins to glow and then go.

From my position I could see at least 7 streams of water hitting at the fire, and it wasn't possible to battle the impeded roads and cordoned off streets to see what, if anything, was happening on the Sunset Ave. side of this complex where there is a Safeway, a Pizza Hut and a Kentucky Fried Chicken. I am guessing that there were many more fire trucks and medics surrounding this entire area on all sides. On Kirkland and NE 10th Street there is the Highlands Community Church as well - and I have no idea at this time whether that building was affected at all.

This is Elizabeth Landrum, lifetime Rentonite, neighbor and a blogger's best resource. Elizabeth felt her entire house shake tonight when the fire began, as if someone might have run into her home. She left her house in her 'jammies and large shoes to investigate. Elizabeth grew up in this neighborhood and watched the progress of Harrington Square as it grew. It was just becoming apparent that the street level was going to sport retail space, and she was looking forward to maybe seeing a bookstore go in. Thanks go out to Elizabeth for letting me bend her ear and for her wonderful information that I was able to impart to all of you.

Fire Sale - a one man band

The Comic Den seems to be thriving in their new locale, the Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes are back to business and the Renton Laptop is open for trade. But some people are still struggling with the fire. Here is John, previous tenant in the now burnt Harries Building. For the last 2 days he has been having his own personal fire sale. There is something new out all the time as he sorts through his personal effects and tried to make a little money and clear out what he can no longer afford to keep.

While I was there, a kind lady was buying the plant that you see above. John had stepped away for a minute to work, and she was arranging to leave him a check for the bookshelves and planter that she was taking home.

Renton is full of warmhearted, well meaning people. I see it all the time. I have heard so many stories of how people were trying to donate to those tenants that lost there home at the fire on Wells 2 weeks ago.

If you are in the neighborhood, and feel like helping out - come by and make a purchase from John. I am certain he would appreciate it.

Renton after the Fire - community,recovery and gratefulness

First things first - Roy Beeler, Manager of the building that was burnt down in the Renton 5 Alarm Fire 10 days ago, stated it as soon as he could politely stand up and voice it. Rod Stewart, owner of the Country Station Antique Store in the top block of S. Third Street seconded those thoughts when it was his turn. Extreme gratitude and thanks to the Fire and Emergency Dept. of Renton for their incredible help in saving an entire block of buildings. "You saved our businesses - Thank you!"

Last night at the Eagles on Wells Ave.S., the Renton Fire and Emergency Dept. held a meeting to discuss with the community about the 5 Alarm Fire that rocked our downtown nearly 2 weeks ago. Chief Daniels was on hand to lead the talk about what was found that night, why the firemen did what they did, what efforts the city is presently taking and how they are finding ways to get the businesses that were effected back to normal. Putting out the fire is just the first of a long line of steps that take place.

The highlights, you may ask? Kent, Seattle, Tukwila, Auburn and Renton all joined forces to fight this fire - 119 firemen all told. They train together, so they all know the same rules of engagement, follow the same chain of command. Beautiful synergy, no injuries - not one. A fireman dies every three days within the US, Chief Daniels disclosed. We had everyone go home safe, including the building tenants. Wow.

The fire department did make another visit, as I reported two days ago here, to the Harries Building were they found a 5 foot high stack of comics still smouldering. Block Aid and another 1,000 gallons of water were used to treat the situation, as well as stirring the pile of an estimated 30,000 comics. Highly unlikely they will trigger again, but Roy Beeler, Manager of the prior building, will see to it that Howard Wheatly of The Comic Den recovers whatever else he might salvage from the pile and then have it removed ASAP. That was relieving news to all of the businesses located nearby. Hats off to Deb of Girlfriend's Antiques for bringing this issue to The Picarron attention.

In any emergency, we were told, there are 5 phases.

*Prevention *Preparedness * Response * Recovery * Mitigation

Renton is in different phases of recovery right now. Some businesses, like Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes, Renton Laptop Shop and The Comic Den are already back open and serving customers. A-1 Vacs & Locks is working with the city to expedite his permits, has secured a location next to Naan & Curry and will hopefully be up and running soon. The CK Nail Spa and Salon was hit hard with water damage and is still under major repair.

Our community really comes together in a crisis, reiterated Jennifer Davis Hayes of the Renton's Community & Economic Development. As Bill Flora,Deputy Chief - Fire Marshall, reminded us all, the Police Dept., Public Works Dept, Community & Economic Development all played crucial roles in expediting the safe fighting of the fire that Friday night and the recovery after the fire. PLUS our lovely Renton people - who have given of their hearts and their efforts to those afflicted by loss through this fire, every step of the way.

The good news is that the building has been purchased by Howard Ho, owner of the adjacent building housing the Common Ground and business developer. The city, Jennifer Davis Hayes stated, will be watching closely to see that things move along in a timely fashion where the building is concerned. The city had already sent the previous owner, Bob Delancey, a 30 days to demolish or redo letter. But word on the street is that Howard Ho has wanted to purchase that building for sometime and has every intention of rebuilding.

Special thanks to the Renton Fire and Emergency Department for being on hand for this meeting - Renton Fire Chief I. David Daniels, Bill Flora Deputy Chief -Fire Marshall, Mark Peterson Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Joan Montegary Asst. to the Fire Chief, Jennifer Davis Hayes of the Community & Economic Development, Kevin Hoult of the Renton Small Business Development Center.

Comics still burning on

This afternoon, the old Harries Building that was the site of Renton's 5 Alarm fire saw a little more action. Three firemen, completely suited up and a pair of fire engines, pumping water, paid a visit to the basement of the building that once housed The Comic Den and the A-1 Vacuum & Locks. Seems that there is a stack of smouldering comic books about 5 feet high that bursts into flames about every week, this told to me by one of the firemen, Captain Mike Proulx of the Renton Fire Department, after exiting the building on Wells Ave. S.

As you can see, the building received a little more water and attention. This view is taken from the back of the building where there is a parking area.

I had no idea that comic books could be that tenacious. There is word on the street that Bob Delancey, owner of the now burned out building, is negotiating with a buyer. It would be great to have that space rebuilt and renovated. Let's hope both parties can come to an agreement soon. I will keep you posted.

Brewing coffee and getting ready to open tomorrow - Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes

Yesterday afternoon, everything related to the making and displaying of cupcakes seemed to be piled up on the sidewalk in front of Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes - one of the handful of businesses that were adversely affected by the 5 Alarm Fire Renton experienced last week.

The plans are today, Hang (above) owner of our favorite cupcake hang, to brew tons of pots of coffee to instill the establishment with that lovely scent of the brew that the customers love so well. And to chase away any remnants of the smoke that recently filled the rooms of their coffee shop. Soon, it will smell the way a bakery of sweet delights should.

The hope is that tomorrow, Wednesday, they will have a soft opening and start to get cupcakes and coffee in all of our bellies once again. You can check their website, listed below, for updates!

Come out and support, Renton. They need your patronage to help overcome the losses of these last few days.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee 900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

The man you call after the fire cools down

Smoke, soot, water, mildew, mold - after a fire the size that hit downtown Renton last week, the clean-up process is daunting. It's more than just pushing a mop and wiping down the walls. It takes professional help and care - and fast. If not attended to immediately, the mold and mildew of tons of water that sluiced through your establishment trying to put the fire out will leave their damage.

Luckily Mike Roberts was on the scene even before the fire inspectors were letting the business owners in to inspect their losses. Mike was already keenly evaluating what equipment needed to be brought over, the crew he needed to gather and the first actions he had to take to help Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes, CK Nail Spa and Salon, and the Renton Laptop Computer Store start to clean up.

CK Nail Spa and Salon

Even though these three businesses were not involved in the fire or the building that now lays in ruins, the water used by the firemen to contain the spread of the flames filtered into their shops. From what Mike Roberts tried to explain to me, the firemen needed to cut a trough for the water to run through while attacking the fire. The water then came in a little bit to the Common Ground, a little more to the Computer Store, but unfortunately for the Nail Salon, most of the water then ended up there. When Chi and Kevin, the owners of the salon, first opened the door, at least 6 inches deep of water ran out. It will take a much longer time for the Nail Salon to recover and reopen.

I am mentally rubbing the belly of Buddha, in Asia meant to help the bringing of good luck, that the CK Nail Spa and Salon gets back to giving the best manicures and pedicures around real soon.

When talking to the owners of Common Ground yesterday, Papa Cupcakes (yes, that's what I call him!) says that they wouldn't even be able to think about opening by possibly tomorrow if it hadn't been for Mike Roberts and his team working from the absolute first possible moment to get their place clean and up and going. They thought he just cleaned carpets - they had no idea that he had specialized machinery, fans, you name it, to help in such drastic conditions. It also helped that Mike's wife, Crystal, works for Hang and Lang at the Cupcake Shop. He told me that she was very unhappy about the fire, and Mike firmly believes in "Happy Wife, Happy Life." And Mike has been nearly exhausting himself these past few days to make sure that Crystal, and everyone else, is feeling better after the fire.

Mike Roberts also told me that to get started with his intense work, he was going to need a huge container on site to throw out damaged pieces of building from the fire. Jennifer Davis Hayes heard him and delivered immediately - and the container's cost was footed by the City of Renton. Just another reason to acknowledge - Hey, that's what's great about Renton!

Venturi Clean 206 - 522 - 4444 17660 West Valley Highway, Tukwilla,WA
www.venturiclean.com

When there's nothing left - Donating after the Renton Fire

Roy Beeler

5 of the 7 residents that lived in the building that caught on fire last week in Renton have moved across the street to live. Roy Beeler, the manager of both the building that was lost to flames and the one with vacancies to house the now homeless tenants of Wells Ave has been trying to organize situating everyone during this trying time. Problem is - when you have lost everything, their is a whole lot more to "moving in" than you would think.

Think "starting from scratch" and magnify that concept. That is what these people are dealing with today.

Having said that, the call out for twin mattresses for the tenants move was answered immediately by Salvation Army and as you can see in the photo below, already delivered. Red Cross provided each of the former residents with debit cards for $360 so that they could buy some necessities to help reestablish themselves and a bag full of things like toothpaste and a toothbrush. All of these gestures really help.

But, as of today - what can, Renton, still do to help? As of yesterday evening when I spoke with Roy Beeler, he said that a lot of the things that Marice Palmer listed in her letter that can be seen posted here on fellow blogger, Randy Corman's blog, had been secured. But things like sheet sets for twin beds, working TV's with converter boxes (even 13" screens would be okay - remember, the rooms are NOT that large) would be really helpful.

While I was there, talking to both Roy Beeler and peeking in on the beehive of commotion as The Comic Den moved into their new digs in 822 S. Third Street, there was a woman who stood out in her efforts on behalf of these men who lost their homes. Her name is Stephanie, and she lives just around the corner in a neighboring building from where the fire occurred. She is longtime Renton resident, friend to Roy and friend to the displaced tenants of the fire.

"It could have been me. It could've been my house that was on fire " Stephanie told me as she handed yet another bag of bedding, fans and alarm clocks to Roy Beeler. The next thing I knew, she was coming back with bags of shampoo, razors, and other sundry items to give as well. "I get paid tomorrow", Stephanie said, as she leaned her head out of her car window to talk to Roy. "Ask the guys what they need and I will talk to you tomorrow."

Stephanie thought when she saw the billows of black smoke last week that it was her home that was going to be lost. She told me she is just spending the money that she would have had to use to get her own life up and going again on the people who are now faced with that same challenge.

(No picture of dear Stephanie ? Nope - she had more important things to be doing than posing for a photo. You go girl!)

PS: Kudos to Marcie Palmer, who was donating loads of needed necessities from her home while the rest of us were toasting our dogs with beer in hand at the Barks and Brews event. Also, the woman who came down twice with her truck loaded with nice chairs and boxes of clothes. You both, of course, ROCK.

UPDATE: 6/15 1:45 pm
*McLendon's donated the last three fans that were needed - way to go, McLendons!
*St.Vincent de Paul will be giving the tenants VOUCHERS so that they can buy clothes that suit and fit them. Great Idea guys!
*The Mayor's Office has called to ask how they can be of service - Yeah Denis Law!

Contact Roy Beeler :425-227-5433 if you need further clarification.

After the Fire : Renton's Comic Den to reopen this Wednesday!

Even though fire and water are surely no friend to a comic book, Howard Wheatly, owner of The Comic Den, is rebounding with amazing speed and with tons of good spirits. Today, while visiting with him at site of the fire in his old shop on Wells Ave., things were being cleaned and moved and sorted by a team of friends and customers. The owner of the building at 822 S. Third Street, Bob Delancey, is also the owner of the now totaled building on Wells Ave. that was completely ruined a couple of days ago by a 5 Alarm Fire that struck. Howard is now in the process of moving into half of that store presence on South Third with the intention of opening his doors for business on this coming Wednesday at noon. That's right folks - new comic delivery on Wednesdays is back!

Howard is taking everything in stride these days. Approximately 80% of his stock was lost in the fire, but the remaining 20% was the stuff that was worth saving. In it were his gold and silver age comics. There was more to salvage than you would think - because of the plastic sleeves that covered the comic issues which lent needed protection . At this moment, the sorting process is taking place and those that can be recovered are being put into new plastic sleeves and being readied for the store's reopening in just three days.

Howard explained that at least all of his store inventory had been paid for and that most of his business is in new comics, and that is where he derives most of his revenue. Howard is looking at the cup half full these days - I mean, what else can you do? Which is why Howard struck the pose up above in the photo. Living proof that you can make lemonade from sucky situations.

While there I was amazed at the industriousness of everyone who scuttled around the wet and soot filled rooms that once was home to The Comic Den for nearly two decades.

This shot reminds me of Michelangelo's "Hand of God" - except that what we are looking at here is nothing pretty. That is where the ceiling used to be and where all the water from the firemens'
hoses rained down. Side rooms off of the main area were almost a complete write off as far as comics were concerned. Howard said that they would be lucky to scrape together 10% from the inventory in those rooms. I looked into these rooms and all I could really see was blackened and shriveled pages upon pages of books. Yuck.



The new location for The Comic Den is so close - just across the street. Handtrucks and armloads of rescued goods were being taken over as fast as they could be carried. No one seemed to stop to take a breath or take a break. Pure dedication. Determination at it's best.


Someone put this water bottle up against the temporary wire fence that surrounds the building front on Wells Ave. Change has been accumulating as people already start to pitch in and help. The biggest help, however, will be for all of the former customers and hopefully a whole generation of new ones, to come by on Wednesday for the delivery of the new comics with your greenbacks in hand. Now that would make a great start for The Comic Den Recovery Plan.



Ah, Joker - foiled again!! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, The Comic Den will live to rule another day!

The Comic Den 822 South Third Street Renton WA
(their new digs!)

Renton Fire Aftermath - where do you go when you haven't got a home?

This was the entryway to apartments on the second floor of the building that caught fire last night here in Downtown Renton. The entryway to the home of seven Renton residents, all whom escaped the 5 Alarm Fire without harm, but who now are also without a home.

Roy Beeler, manager of the apartment was there when the he heard the cry for help come from one of the tenants when the fire began. He was there when he opened doors to be met with thick clouds of nasty, cough inducing smoke to try to help people to safety. He is now also there to help relocate these 7 people to an adjacent apartment building that has vacancies (and is owned by the same owner, Mr. Bob Delancey, I believe) and to try to help with the businesses, The Comic Den and A-1 Vacuums & Locks, that lost their livelihoods as well.

People have already begun to inquire as to how they can help - that is the sort of town spirit that I am always proud to report. I have been informed that Red Cross has already met with the tenants and is helping them with their needs. But there are ways that you, Renton, can help:

From the desk of Jennifer Davis Hayes, Community & Economic Development:

There is hope that the two businesses in the building that caught fire can relocate to another storefront on S 3^rd St. Neither of these businesses had fire insurance due to the age of the building (cost prohibitive). A business relocation fund has been set up for A-1 at US Bank and they are working on setting one up for Comic Den at Bank of America. Donations can be made to either to help the businesses rebuild their livelihood.

Donations of twin mattresses for the residents and bedding and other household items are being requested. Roy Beeler, building manager, is accepting donations and can be reached at 425-227-5433.

We are fortunate that no one was hurt in the fire and thank the quick action of the Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department and other local departments for their actions.

The Renton Reporter has an excellent video concerning the fire - and you should check it out here. Great job with that, Dean!

Again - this is what make's Renton GREAT - and I couldn't be prouder.

The Comic Den - the aftermath of the Renton Fire is not very funny

One of the other biggest losses that occurred from the 5 Alarm Fire that struck downtown Renton last night was at The Comic Den - a venerable purveyor of graphic novels and comics for nearly 20 years. I think it goes without saying that a fire and then tons of water being sprayed to put said fire out are not the friend to anything made of paper. I have yet to hear, but I think most of the inventory must be permanently damaged.

I have been informed this afternoon that there is an account for The Comic Den also if you would like to make donations to help. Remember, this was a very old building and insurance would have been prohibitive and unaffordable, so Howard the owner unfortunately, was uninsured. You can make donations at The Bank Of America for The Comic Den (it is being set up right now) to help Howard rebuild and relocate his business. Please help with whatever you can. If we all give a little, it amounts to more than you would think.

This lot of water ridden comics were pulled from on top of the storm drain just at the corner of Wells and South Third. It must have drifted out of the building when the tide of water from the firemens' hoses washed the flames away.

This was The Comic Den just at the beginning of May when the owner, Howard Wheatly, participated in a National Comic Day and gave away free comics to anyone who came to the store, no purchase necessary. There were a dozen or more issues specially designed for the day, May 1st, and Howard had said that the 300 or so people that had come in that weekend was the best turnout he had had for this event to date.

This was one of my all time favorite windows that graced the front of The Comic Den. I am a bit of a Wolverine fan, so I could hardly help myself. I'm so glad, now, that I got this shot in when I did. It was still up last night before the fire struck.

I found this Joker action toy in the gutter near the scene of the fire. The Joker was always know for his notorious acts of violence in the Batman comic series. You know, The Joker is a self-professed Arsonist - and I blame him for this entire situation. And you can tell him that for me personally.

After the Renton fire - CK Nail Salon

The CK Nail Salon which is just around the corner from the building that was the site of our 5 Alarm Fire last night, has suffered some damages and must remained closed until further notice. As you can see from the photo - the ceiling sustained some fire damage and the whole store of course has a heavy smell of smoke. Not conducive to business at all - oh, and add to that the loss of power (which the city is working on as I write this to help reinstate for all of the businesses without it today - yeah Renton !), Chi and her hubby, Kevin, have to go stay closed for the moment. Good news is, when asked - Chi did say they had insurance (note: this is not the same building where the fire occurred, though the buildings did have a common basement it seems).

The great thing is that again, Renton cares. I overheard the first client that came by to check on her appointment and the state of affairs at the Nail Salon, the owner of the Cedar River Day Spa on N. First Street, ask Chi if she needed her and her mother to come by on Sunday and lend a hand in cleaning. Breaks my heart just a little every time I write about these private and caring moments that tragedy in our city brings out in people.

Here is Chi and her daughter on the sidewalk outside her establishment. You can just read her face to see how she feels today.

CK Nails & Spa 900 S. Third St. (425)282-6453

Call to check on when Chi can make an appointment - support our local businesses in their time of need!