PORT ANGELES — Fire gutted the building that formerly housed Grandma’s Attic antique store at 321 W. Eighth St. late Tuesday.
A large section of the main floor collapsed into the basement, which sustained significant heat and smoke damage, said Port Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Ken Dubuc.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation,” Dubuc said.
“There is no estimate at this time as to the dollar loss to the structure or the contents. The structure was vacant at the time of the fire.”
The fire was reported at 10:46 p.m.
Extra help called
Based on a familiarity of the building, the on-duty captain for the Port Angeles Fire Department called mutual aid from Clallam County Fire Districts No. 2 and 3, Dubuc said.
Crews arrived to find thick smoke coming from the several windows and under the eves.
When they entered the building, firefighters found thick smoke and pockets of fire.
A large section of floor had collapsed from above.
“Due to the potential structural instability and poor visibility, the firefighters were ordered to exit and the fire was fought from the exterior of the building,” Dubuc said.
The fire was extinguished one hour after crews arrived. Firefighters remained on the scene to monitor the building throughout the night.
The investigation will continue today.
“Hopefully we’ll know more by tomorrow,” Dubuc said.