Downrigger restaurant fire determined to be accidental. Photo courtesy Port of Friday Harbor
From San Juan Island Fire Rescue Chief Steve Marler
The Port of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island Fire Rescue have determined that the recent fire at 10 Front Street was not an intentionally set fire. A team of investigators determined that the cause was an electrical problem within a wall near the kitchen area.
The Fire Department reports that there were no injuries. The Port of Friday Harbor wishes to thank the community for the outpouring of support for the businesses and their employees who were affected by the fire. The Port of Friday Harbor’s Board of Commissioners and the Town of Friday Harbor have pledged to work together to begin the process of rebuilding this very important part of Friday Harbor’s waterfront as soon as possible.
San Juan Island Fire Rescue serves all of San Juan Island – including the Town of Friday Harbor – as well as Brown and Pearl Islands. Through a contract with the State Department of Natural Resources, the fire district also provides wildland fire suppression for all of San Juan County’s non-ferry served islands.
Predominantly staffed by volunteers, the agency operates seven fire stations, numerous fire engines and other vehicles as well as the region’s only fire boat. In 2012, the fire department responded to 241 calls for service.
Residents of Brown, Pearl and San Juan Islands are encouraged to contact the fire department if they are interested in becoming a firefighter. The next recruit academy begins in September at the Mullis Street fire station.
The Port of Friday Harbor is a public port district on San Juan Island that operates the marina in Friday Harbor, including Spring Street Landing. The Port maintains Jackson Beach and the boat launch ramp as well as the Friday Harbor Airport. The Port owns and operates numerous properties around the airport and waterfront, providing spaces for many locally owned businesses that add to the economic vitality of the community.
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