Firefighter injured as crews control fire in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood
SEATTLE -- A three-alarm fire burned several businesses Monday afternoon in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.
The fire was reported about noon in the 2300 block of NW Market Street. Seattle Fire spokeswoman Kristin Tinsley said someone at Supercuts called 911 after smelling smoke.
Businesses were evacuated, and firefighters cut holes in the building's roof to release toxic gases and smoke. La Isla and Pho Big Bowl restaurants, Supercuts, Kitchen N Things and a jeweler were among the businesses in the building that suffered extensive damage.
No one in the businesses was injured, but one firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
It took crews several hours to put the fire down, but it was finally under control by 3:30 p.m. The Seattle Fire Department says it will be on scene into the evening mopping up the fire.
“I look on the roof, Isla and Supercuts, a lot of smoke,” said David Nguyen who works at Pho Big Bowl. “I hurried and I ran back to the kitchen. I told my employees, okay get out of here. Turn off the gas, to safely get out of here.”
“It’s sad, you know, the whole block literally. It’s hard to build a business, very hard, and it’s all in rubbles now,” said Mike Panjabi, owner of India Bistro.
The are will remain under a fire watch throughout the night into the early morning hours.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Seattle Public Utilities put out a message to Ballard residents:
“Hydrant use due to today's fire on Market St. may result in discolored water in homes and businesses around the area. Discolored water comes from internal pipe rust and sediment getting stirred up. When this happens the water is still safe.
If it looks unappealing, wait until it clears before drinking it. It should clear on its own. Try running the cold water for a few minutes to see if it's clearing. If the water doesn't clear, let it sit for 1-2 hours. Then run again.”
La Isla Cuisine wrote on its Facebook page:
“There has been an outpouring of support and we appreciate the notes of strength and perseverance during this difficult time. We will reach out soon with details on our rebuilding plan and ways to help in that effort. In the meantime please stop in at the Redmond La Isla for a well deserved drink with us. Thanks again for the support.”
The Ballard Alliance established a GoFundMe campaign to support businesses affected by the fire.
"While we are relieved that no one was seriously injured in this devastating fire, local small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhood and the loss is felt by the entire Ballard community, " said Ballard Alliance Executive Director Mike Stewart.