SLIDESHOW added: Several businesses destroyed in fire on Spring Street in Friday Harbor
Less than two weeks after a joint training on structure fires, Orcas Island and Lopez Island firefighters joined San Juan Island firefighters in fighting a multi-building fire in Friday Harbor. WSF diverted a ferry to bring Orcas Island firefighters and apparatus to Friday Harbor. The sheriff's boat Sentinel brought Lopez Island firefighters.
Dispatch issued the call for emergency response at 3:40 a.m. According to SJIFD Public Information Officer the fire was in the Windermere building. The first crew on the scene went into the building hoping to knock the fire down. It was too far gone, so the crew switched from offensive mode to defensive mode. The priority became stopping the spread of the fire to Vinny's and 123 West Street hotel.
As of 8 a.m. the fire had spread from Windermere Realty to Herbs Tavern, the Crow's Nest coffee shop, and the kayak place on the east side of Windermere.
By the end of the day, the incident PIO reported that six buildings were involved - three were destroyed.
Foam used to fight the fire flowed into the bay.
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5 comments
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terry brown Friday, 08 April 2022 10:51 Comment Link
It was with a sinking heart that I saw the smoke and headed to town yesterday. I could see that my favorite tavern was in danger along with its iconic neighbors. No words can express the sense of loss I felt and my heart goes out to the businesses involved. Your pictures tell a sad tale and I appreciate having them. I am so very glad the Herb's signs were saved and I hope to see them hanging again soon over a new and improved "favorite" tavern.
I keep thinking what a hole there is now in our town. -
Christopher Joyce Thursday, 07 April 2022 20:17 Comment Link
Deepest sympathy for the businesses and people/families affected by the fire, but deeply disturbed by the massive amount of fire fighting foam employed which drained into the pristine harbor. Of the 5-6 fire fighting foams, only one is “biodegradable” and all of them are designed to eliminate/withdraw oxygen from the environment they’re sprayed upon. So the question remains, what will happen to the wildlife and fauna of the harbor?
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Daniel Schwartz Thursday, 07 April 2022 19:05 Comment Link
Our thoughts and prayers are with the owners and employees of the businesses affected by this tragic fire… and our heartfelt appreciation to the firefighters who turned out early this morning to battle this blaze.
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littleHusky Thursday, 07 April 2022 09:54 Comment Link
my mother worked next to Windermere #sosad #wased positnotes
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Valarie Nichols Thursday, 07 April 2022 09:48 Comment Link
I'm so sorry! I grew up there. My heart aches. Goodbye Herbs.