Fire in North Renton and all hail the new chief

Late last night, the flames from the back of the Law Offices on Park Ave. could be seen from the front rooms of residents on North First Street in the neighborhood of North Renton. While the big trucks came and three fire departments responded, the 2 alarm fire did not injure anyone and started at the carport in the rear of the building. Okay, there was a very hurt Lexus parked there, and the fire department was on the scene this morning trying to ascertain the cause.

The last of the big trucks left the scene at about 1 am this morning. From 10 until midnight there still seemed to be billows of smoke pouring out and the neighbors in jammies were wandering at the sidelines.The KOMO News truck was there last night and again this morning, covering our local burg.

The front of the law offices seems relatively unharmed by the fire and rather quiet for a work day. Guess it was better to stay at home until further notice.

Good news is that we all get to welcome 30 year fire department veteran, Mark Peterson to the post of Renton Fire Chief. Announced in the Renton Reporter yesterday, it comes as no surprise that the guy who has been holding the fort down since Chief Daniels left last year should be named to take his place. Congratulations Mark!

Cause of Recent Renton Fire still unknown

Cause of the fire that has burnt to the ground a huge portion of Harrington Square, a new apartment and condo complex in Renton Highlands last night, has yet to be discerned. The Renton Reporter says that maybe an arsonist specialist will be called in, though it has been noted that there were roofers on the building that day using tar. The investigators expect to take up until tomorrow to report on the cause of this incredible blaze that could be seen for miles in the area.

Look here to read the Reporter's article on this event and scroll to the bottom of the page to see an AGGREGATE LISTING of all the articles written about this, the latest Renton Fire. (Wow - The Picaroon made it into the list !)

Update: Seattle Times article here on the possible cause of fire.

Fire in Renton - additional photos

This evening, when I flew out of the house like a bat out of hell to go to the site of the second 4 Alarm Fire to rock our city of Renton, I was determined to get some photos and information.These are taken from the park behind Highlands Elementary School on Harrington in the Renton Highlands/Sunset Hills area this evening.

This is the Harrington Square Complex of apartments/condominiums that was just halfway through completion and said to be viewed as a great new addition to the Highlands area. Retail space was going to be available for rent on the street level.

As you can see, this was taken earlier on during the fire and the entire block on this side seems to be engulfed in flames.

So far, there seems to have been no injuries reported from the fire, but a police officer directing traffic was it by a motorist. It seems the vehicle then hit another police car and other officers wrestled the driver out of the car and to the ground. View report on this news here. Hopefully, that will be the only injuries related to this fire that need be reported.

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.

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.

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.

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!

After the Fire - what's so great about Renton

Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes has some smoke damage and loss of power after the 5 Alarm Fire that struck the neighboring building last night. And, they also have an order for a bunch of cupcakes for a Renton neighbor who is about to get married. That's right - Wedding Cupcakes.

The woman who placed the order lives right downtown - she heard the news of the fire and saw the damage. But Crystal (employee, cupcake baker) and Hang (owner) called her today and said that they wanted to make sure that her wedding went off without a hitch - and with her order of cupcakes.

This is were the story gets good and our town is, well, Great. The Law Offices of Green & Rousso (corner of Wells and South Third Street) agreed to give Common Ground a space in their offices to decorate the cupcakes today.

This is Crystal, with ingredients in hand as she goes off the make and bake the wedding cupcakes. She told me that she put on her favorite cupcake earrings today to lift her spirits for visiting the store after the fire.

Joe Kennedy, owner of Calico Cheesecake

More great neighborliness is exhibited by Calico Cheesecake, just up the street at the corner of Main Street and South Third, who are letting Common Ground bake the cupcakes in their ovens today. How cool is that!!??

I can never get over how wonderful it is to live in a town where people care. I have lived the anonymous life in great cities here and abroad - and it's kinda nice when you live somewhere that your face doesn't go unnoticed, nor do your troubles.

In this article here, by fellow blogger Randy Corman, it seems that we can hope to see the cupcake shop back soon. Ahhh - what a relief. This is exactly what hard times calls for - a little sweet relief, like only a cupcake or slice of cheesecake can provide. So get take your sweet tooth in hand and help out by snacking in your zipcode and showing that you care.


Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes www.commongroundcupcakes.com
900 S. Third St. Unit A Renton WA (425) 235-1717

Calico Cheesecake Co. www.calicocheesecake.com
919 S. Third St. Renton,WA (206) 851-2571

A-1 after the Fire - Renton, you can help

A-1 Vacuums and Locks was hit hard last night by the 5 Alarm Fire - very hard. Owner Tom Swanson has no place to go and has a business that he needs to keep going. Renton, I know that you can help.


First off - Tom needs a place to make keys and keep himself financially afloat. The building that he rented in was old - 100 years old. He didn't have insurance - because they just don't give insurance out within the reasonable price range for a building that is so old that it doesn't even have a fire sprinkler system and got "grandfathered" in by the city because of it's "vintageness". So, if you have a little space that Tom could have right downtown to work out of so that he can have a way to keep his livelihood - please contact him and let him know (the number is right up there in the photo, folks)

Secondly - if you would like to help by donating to the good cause of helping Tom, who lost his whole business in the fire folks, you can go to any US Bank and make a donation for the account of A-1 Locksmith & Vacuum. Remember - anything will help, and a lot of little bits help to make a big "something".

Here is Tom Swanson himself - the city and it's members have been johnny-on-the-spot to help all the businesses that were effected by the fire. (This is where I insert a shout out to Jennifer Davis Hayes who gave me the info about Tom and his crisis). So have so many member of our community - we live in a great place, folks - just in case you are new to figuring that one out.

Day after the fire in Renton

This is the view that our downtown Renton peeps are privy to the day after our 5 Alarm Fire in our little burg. Firefighters still on the scene, though the fire was put out successfully last night with the help of over 100 firemen from Renton, Skyway, Kent and Tukwila plus the off duty members that were pulled into duty. They are assessing the damage - and the very little that is left of the building that once housed the Comic Den, A-1 Vacs & Locks and a handful of residents in apartments who once lived there. No one was hurt, mercifully, but the loss is great otherwise.


This is Jennifer Davis Hayes of the City of Renton checking in with the Fire Dept. and getting a handle on what she can do to help - which with Jennifer, is always a lot.



Luckily, you could still get a cup of coffee and come down and look what happened. Coffee is from Liberty Cafe and these locals are from left to right: Phyl Carroll, Ron Hughes, Sue Hughes, Bill Collins and Sarah Iles of the Renton Historical Museum. If you were a steady coffee client at the Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes, you will be sad to know that their cafe was affected by the smoke and has some damage, so they are temporarily closed. But don't worry - they will be back.

This is Braden - and his great Grandfather, Mr. Anderson, was the owner of the now destroyed building. He is with his Grandmother Delancey, looking at the remains of his family's property and the loss of another piece of downtown Renton history.

This is the back of the building where two fire engines still remain and the firefighters are actively investigating the interior of the building.