OIFR: Olga Fires “Suspicious”

July 19th 2013 at Noon

from Orcas Island Fire & Rescue

Orcas Island Fire & Rescue was dispatched to two working structure fires in Olga early Friday morning. The first call came in at 3:01am as a smoke investigation, and the first Engine found the Olga Artworks on fire and called in a full response. The fire was mainly on the east side of the building with the majority of fire damage to the exterior and attic space. It is estimated that 20% of Olga Artworks building was involved. It took crews approximately 30 minutes to extinguish the main body of fire. Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing difficult hot spots in the roof structure due to building construction methods. San Juan Island Fire Department is responding via Washington State Ferry in their Ladder truck to aid in roof operations. San Juan Island’s fire boat Confidence was able to transport additional firefighters early this morning from San Juan and Lopez Islands to Olga. Firefighters and community members are working together in property salvage efforts.

At 3:29 am the second structure fire was called in at Willis Ln, which is less than three miles from Olga Artworks. Available Crews from Olga Artworks responded to the second working fire and extinguished the 30×30 two story residential structure which was 50% involved.

The Olga Artworks scene is still active on extinguishing hot spots in the roof and fire ground operations are estimated to continue throughout the day.

There are no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Both scenes are under investigation by the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office and are labeled “suspicious in nature.”Anyone who has information on the two Olga fires is requested to call San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at (360)378-4151 or Orcas Island Fire & Rescue at (360)376-2331.