by Lin McNulty
Smoldering remains from Downriggers fire in Friday Harbor. Photo: Curtis Frink
Members of San Juan County Fire District 3 were awakened this morning at approximately 2:30 a.m. by fire alert tones for a structure fire at Downriggers Restaurant on the Friday Harbor waterfront.
The building occupied by Downriggers also houses several other tourism-related businesses.
A mutual aid request was called in for firefighters from Orcas and Lopez to help at about 4:30 a.m.
WSF diverted a boat to transport the additional manpower, bringing two firefighters from Lopez and three from Orcas. Orcas firefighters also responded in a private boat, and one was already on San Juan Island from the fair. A total of 6-8 Orcas volunteers were on the scene.
“There were flames at least 20 or 30 feet high coming out of the building at one point,” said Carolyn Hudson, spokeswoman for San Juan Island Fire & Rescue.
She said the building appears to be a total loss.
Crews continue to battle the blaze several hours later in an attempt to keep it contained to one building. Hudson said firefighting efforts will continue all day long Saturday.
SanJuanIslander further reports the businesses located below the restaurant sustained smoke and water damage. San Juan Safaris and San Juan Excursions are both operating today. The firefighters were able to retrieve the businesses’ computers and keys to the boats. San Juan Safari is set up at Memorial Park Circle. San Juan Excursions is set up at Crystal Seas office on Spring Street.
Anacortes Fire Department arrived at about 8 a.m. Saturday with an engine and four firefighters and a command rig with a duty officer. They will be on call at the Mullis Street Fire Station in case of another call for an emergency while local firefighters continue work at the scene.
There are no reports of injuries. And at this point, cause of the fire is unknown.
On an already busy ferry weekend due to the San Juan County Fair and the skateboard park dedication on Lopez, sailings of the Washington State Ferries are expected to be even more delayed. Ferry off-loading will be on East Street.
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so sad that this place is gone. :(
condolances to the owners, employees, and those who loved Downriggers.
Loved this restaurant and nice employees! Just had 2 meals there two days before fire! So sorry to owners, employees and patrons!
Very sorry to see this has happened. We ate at Downriggers both evenings we stayed in Friday Harbor in July, the food and service were great. Condolences to the owners of all the businesses affected and their employees.