Orcas Exchange, with all its history and potential, burned late this afternoon. Photo use only with permission of orcasissues.com
Update Sunday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.
By Kevin O’Brien, Orcas Fire and Rescue Chief/CEO
On Saturday, February 9, at 4:48 p.m., After a long day of training recruit firefighters, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Captain Bob Nutt was driving by the Orcas Transfer Station in an OIFR water tender (tanker truck) and noticed smoke and flames coming from the Exchange complex. Captain Nutt called for additional help and began firefighting operations. He noted significant fire involvement in the heart of the Exchange complex with flames extending to the trees in the area.
Forty-five OIFR members and ten units responded to the incident that lasted over five hours. Water for the fire was transported by OIFR tenders from a pond located approximately one half mile away from the fire. There were no injuries to civilians or responders. Preliminary evidence is leading investigators to believe the cause of the fire to be an accidental electrical situation; however, the final determination is pending.
Special thanks to the OIFR volunteer responders and Auxiliary members for their hard work and dedication in helping our community.
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue recommends islanders practice fire safety in your homes: change smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks, perform emergency exit drills, have a working fire extinguisher and make sure your chimney is clean.
By Margie Doyle
The Orcas Island Exchange buildings appear to be a total loss, as flames broke out about a half hour after the recycling center closed today at 4 p.m., Feb. 9, 2013.
At about 4:30 p.m. scanners reported that cannisters were blowing up and passers-by said that, at 4:45, the buildings were on fire.
Blake Birchall said that he passed the site at 5 p.m. and the site was completely engulfed by flames, “even the trees.” He said the Orcas Fire Department was there, and more fire trucks were already on the way, but the fire was too far gone to save any of the buildings.
Another witness reports seeing firefighters being treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, further praising Orcas Fire & Rescue, as “every fire truck in the world was there.”
The Exchange is part of the Orcas Transfer Station site, owned by San Juan County.
Well, at least our history and potential will go forward. This is just another form of “exchange”, but a little more thermodynamic than usual. We’ll be back better than ever…
Sadly it’s true: The Exchange’s main structures are gone. Our Orcas Fire Department did a great job quelling the flames. Fortunately, it was after hours so no one was hurt. Please do not come by tomorrow as it will be still unsafe. We will inform the community of any further developments as soon as we can. Just know that we will rise from the ashes into an even better Exchange.
Thank you, Exchange Board of Directors
I was at the Exchange today with my friend and enjoying the great finds and beautiful friendly people and employee’s… As I was leaving the island at 4:45 we passed the Exchange in flames.. What a horrifble sick feeling to see these amazing place going up in flames… Orcas Island people are strong and the Exchange will come back better than ever.
Pete,where can I make a donation so that the next Exchange can rise from the ashes? There are few places on this island that I love more.
Sure glad to hear nobody was hurt. Standing by to hear what is needed to rebuild. Blessings to those that contained and put out the fire. You are my hero’s.
With salvaged materials and volunteer labor I am confident this island resource will be rebuilt better than the original.
Oh, the Exchange! One of my favorite places in all my travels. Every year’s visit to Orcas has to include the Exchange. Rise up, oh ye stuff and gather anew.
Anxiously awaiting word on how we can help rebuild the Exchange – Barn raising pops into my head!
The Exchange is a highly-valued member of our community, and it will rise up out of its ashes. Many thanks to Orcas Fire & Rescue for its efforts.
According to the article above, a witness reported seeing firefighters being treated on the scene for smoke inhalation.
As an EMT tending to firefighters on the scene, I would like to clarify that nobody suffered from smoke inhalation. Each firefighter wears a specially fitted mask and self-contained breathing apparatus to prevent smoke inhalation.
It is normal practice for each firefighter to take periodic breaks for rest, hydration, and a check of vital signs. No doubt this is what the witness observed. There were no injuries.
I have an idea.
Whereas the Exchange is a symbol of our community caring and sharing, why don’t we allow anyone who wants to express their support of the Exchange, to donate a piece of personal building material from their own property when the time comes. This could be a nail, screw, bolt, a plank, or other worthy contribution. If the donated materials cannot be used in the actual rebuilding, they might be incorporated into an art sculpture, as the Exchange had so whimsically displayed recycled materials to make us smile. They are clever designers. Who else can create order and art out of a thousand garage castoffs, all rusted and thrown together. You brethren of the Exchange are amazing. We love you and look forward to a community re-creation.
I like Jennifer’s idea- I have a piece of treated wood that has been sitting in my patio for awhile-someone may come and pick it up for my donation
I think we’ve all got stuff that we got at the Exchange that we could give back and create some crazy awesome place made out of recycled materials. It might have a bicycle foundation and be sided with vinyl records, but it will be a beauty.
YES, rebuild! Put me on the list for work party, donation party, whatever works!!!