Officials: Cause of Bothell fire could take weeks to determine
BOTHELL, Wash -- A massive fire whipped through downtown Bothell Friday morning, damaging or destroying nearly half a dozen buildings and businesses.
Firefighters said they cannot safely get into where they think this fire started because it’s been smoldering for more than 12 hours later.
The massive fireball shot hundreds of feet into the night sky, apparently beginning in a four-story apartment building under construction. The raw wood and materials gave the fire all the fuel it needed to grow big and grow fast.
“The explosions were shaking the ground,” said witness Stephen Mourer.
The fire then spread from the construction project to the nearby Bothell Mall – it’s one of the four to five businesses destroyed, according to officials.
“This is a sad day for Bothell,” said Mayor Andy Rheaume. “The good news is no lives have been lost and nobody was injured.”
“Even through there’s significant damage, I’m very proud that they held it to the limited damage that it is,” said Bothell Fire Department Chief Bob Van Horne.
The fire swept through nearly an entire city block on main street. Windows were blown out, signs melted and even the trees were scorched. The radiant heat also melted parts of cars parked in a nearby lot.
“It just looks like a war zone,” said Rheaume.
Firefighters from neighboring departments were called into help.
But finding out exactly how the fire started could be impossible now that the evidence investigators need has been reduced to a pile of scorched wood and rubble.
“We will do a thorough investigation and I can’t say right now we’re going to be able to determine what the cause is but we will do our best,” said Van Horne.
Firefighters said they could be on scene putting out hot spots for the next 24-48 hours.