Olympia Oyster House Fire

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At 12:18 am this morning, the Olympia Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at 320 4th Ave W in downtown Olympia.    911 Dispatch received calls of smoke in the building, coming out the front doors of the Olympia Oyster House.  Olympia Firefighters arrived 5 minutes later and found light smoke throughout the building, coming out the front door and from the roof vents. 

 

Initial arriving crews reported smoke and found fire near the kitchen areas just after forcing their way through the front door.  The fire was attacked from inside.  Firefighters opened the roof and found heavy fire under the roof.  A second alarm was sounded for additional firefighters and apparatus.  Conditions continued to deteriorate and firefighters pulled out of the structure and began defensive fire operations at 12:46 am.  The fire was under control at 2:35 am.  Fire burned throughout the building, the roof collapsed into the structure leaving only the exterior walls standing.  The Olympia Building Official deemed the remaining masonry walls unsafe and large portions of the walls were knocked down to make the scene safe.

 

The 2 alarm fire brought all the resources from Olympia and resources from throughout Thurston County.  10 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 2 medic units and 3 support vehicles responded.  Additional assistance was received from the Olympia Police Department, Public Works Department and the Harbor Patrol Boat.  Washington State Department of Ecology worked with Olympia Public Works to monitor the run-off as the Oyster House sits at the southern edge of Budd Inlet.  There were no workers or patrons in the building, the owner had left at about 10:30 pm.  One firefighter sustained a minor burn on the hand and was treated at the scene.

 

Detour routes around the fire area have been set up, it is anticipated that all lanes will be open later today.  Lakefair, Olympia’s downtown summer event should not be impacted.

 

Fire units remain on scene to complete overhaul as unstable walls are pulled down and the debris is removed from the street by Olympia Public Works Department.  The fire is under investigation, investigators will concentrate on the kitchen area as access is gained.  The building and contents are a total loss.    For further information contact Olympia Fire Department 360-753-8348.

 

The Olympia Oyster House has been operated by the current owners for the last 17 years.  The location has housed a restaurant since the 1940’s and was an oyster shucking facility before becoming a restaurant.  The restaurant employed about 40 to 45 people.  The owners were on the scene for most of the fire after being called at their homes.  They report that the restaurant may be the oldest seafood restaurant in the state and they plan on rebuilding.

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