FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. — Three verified GoFundMe pages for downtown Friday Harbor businesses damaged in April 7′s 4-alarm fire have raised over $28,000.
As of April 14, nearly $15,000 has been raised to rebuild Crows Nest Coffee, which was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Other GoFundMe pages include efforts to rebuild the Anchors Away Skybar and a general fund, organized by the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, to help affected businesses.
Multiple fire departments and agencies battled a large commercial fire in downtown Friday Harbor on San Juan Island that lasted for hours and caused millions of dollars in damage.
The fire in the area of Front and Spring streets was called in by a tow truck driver at 3:43 a.m. April 7. Multiple buildings were involved, according to Kimberley M. Kimple with San Juan County Fire Protection District #2.
Washington State ferries were used to transport firefighters and equipment from Orcas and Lopez islands to San Juan Island. Sheriff’s office boats were also used to move fire crews, and staff from Washington State Ferries were kept on the island to help deputies provide crowd control at the fire scene.
The fire caused inter-island ferries to be delayed.
See WSF travel alert bulletins here.
Video from viewer James Richardson showed a building burning near the ferry terminal.
As of 11:40 a.m. on April 7, the fire was still burning and heavy equipment was being used to tear out a building.
Washington State Ferries said inter-island ferries were delayed.
At around 8 p.m., Kimple said six buildings had suffered damage, three of which were a total loss. Some of the businesses inside that were a total loss included a tavern, a coffee shop, real estate offices, a wine bar, a kayak tour business, and private offices.
Some historical landmarks, dating back as early as the late 1800s, were also destroyed, Kimple said.
Surrounding buildings were closed due to heavy smoke in the area. She said it is still unknown how many other businesses were affected by the fire.
Fire officials are continuing to assess the extent of the damage but the total loss is estimated at $10 million thus far.
No injuries were reported and there was no evidence that anyone was inside the buildings when the fire started, Kimple said.
Crews will remain at the scene overnight to make sure all hot spots are out.
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The cause of the fire has yet to be determined as an investigation could last throughout the coming week, officials said.
State fire assistance was mobilized in support of the firefighters, who have contained the fire.
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