Suspicious fire burns historic tavern in Skykomish
SKYKOMISH, Wash. -- Fire officials say a blaze that has destroyed the historic Whistling Post tavern in Skykomish early Tuesday is likely arson.
Capt. Mike Janasz said the first firefighters to arrive about 4 a.m. found the front door open and unlocked.
A dog sniffed out accelerant poured near the ATM that was cut open with $3,300 missing.
"We believe that the building was broken into, and the fire may have been set to hid the burglary," he said.
Janasz said one firefighter suffered a hand burn and smoke inhalation. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Flames spread quickly through the wood frame building that was built in 1903. It was a landmark on Highway 2 in Skykomish, which is about 40 miles east of Everett.
Crews had to retreat and fight the fire from outside with water when the roof collapsed shortly after firefighters arrived.
Charlie Brown, who owns the Whistling Post with his wife, said they're not sure what they'll do.
"This was the community center for Skykomish," he said. "Everybody came here. It's more than just a tavern."
He was dismayed to hear speculation that the fire may have been intentionally set.
"That's an idiotic thing to do, especially if it's over a burglary," he said. "Take the money and run. We can replace that. But we'll never replace some of the history that's in this building."
Even if the tavern is rebuilt, Brown said artifacts that were inside are gone forever. The memorabilia included photos of prior owners, old railroad collectibles and the Whistling Post's original liquor license. There were trophies dating back before anyone's memory.
All that's left are a few old railroad lamps.
Brown says if he does rebuild, he'll rely on the town for memories:
"The one who can remember the most lies, gets to make the history for the place," Brown said.
Neighbors reported hearing a car with loud exhaust leaving the area just before the fire was reported, said Sgt. Cindi West with the King County Sheriff's Office. The same neighbors said that a week ago a car with the same sounding muffler had been seen cruising the area. The vehicle was described as a lowered, black coupe, possibly a Honda, occupied by two white men in their 20's.
Anyone with information can call the Arson Alarm Foundations, Fire Stoppers tip line at (800) 55-ARSON. Calls will remain anonymous and you could be eligible for a reward.
The investigation into the fire is still ongoing, and Janasz said heavy equipment will have to move debris for officials to look for the cause.
Capt. Mike Janasz said the first firefighters to arrive about 4 a.m. found the front door open and unlocked.
A dog sniffed out accelerant poured near the ATM that was cut open with $3,300 missing.
"We believe that the building was broken into, and the fire may have been set to hid the burglary," he said.
Janasz said one firefighter suffered a hand burn and smoke inhalation. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Flames spread quickly through the wood frame building that was built in 1903. It was a landmark on Highway 2 in Skykomish, which is about 40 miles east of Everett.
Crews had to retreat and fight the fire from outside with water when the roof collapsed shortly after firefighters arrived.
Charlie Brown, who owns the Whistling Post with his wife, said they're not sure what they'll do.
"This was the community center for Skykomish," he said. "Everybody came here. It's more than just a tavern."
He was dismayed to hear speculation that the fire may have been intentionally set.
"That's an idiotic thing to do, especially if it's over a burglary," he said. "Take the money and run. We can replace that. But we'll never replace some of the history that's in this building."
Even if the tavern is rebuilt, Brown said artifacts that were inside are gone forever. The memorabilia included photos of prior owners, old railroad collectibles and the Whistling Post's original liquor license. There were trophies dating back before anyone's memory.
All that's left are a few old railroad lamps.
Brown says if he does rebuild, he'll rely on the town for memories:
"The one who can remember the most lies, gets to make the history for the place," Brown said.
Neighbors reported hearing a car with loud exhaust leaving the area just before the fire was reported, said Sgt. Cindi West with the King County Sheriff's Office. The same neighbors said that a week ago a car with the same sounding muffler had been seen cruising the area. The vehicle was described as a lowered, black coupe, possibly a Honda, occupied by two white men in their 20's.
Anyone with information can call the Arson Alarm Foundations, Fire Stoppers tip line at (800) 55-ARSON. Calls will remain anonymous and you could be eligible for a reward.
The investigation into the fire is still ongoing, and Janasz said heavy equipment will have to move debris for officials to look for the cause.
