As we originally reported here, 7 Seas Brewing, Washington’s newest brewery, has been working hard to get the kettles boiling and the beer shipped. Those plans may now be delayed due to a fire that blazed through the building that houses the brewery.
We do not yet know the extent of the damage. We’ll get a message in to Travis and Mike to see what we can learn. For now, here’s the story from the Tacoma News Tribune. It doesn’t sound good.
GIG HARBOR: Space heater blamed for fire that damages commercial building
Flames ripped through part of a commercial building in Gig Harbor early Thursday after a space heater was left on under a desk, the Gig Harbor Fire Department reported.
Two employees of 7 Seas Brewing reported the fire at 7512 Stanich Lane just before 12:30 a.m. The men were working in the building when they smelled the smoke, then found the fire, firefighters said.
When firefighters arrived, flames and smoke were coming from the front of the four-unit building, which housed five businesses. Heavy smoke poured out of its eves and back entrance.
Because of the size of the building and the size of the fire, Gig Harbor got help from Tacoma and University Place firefighters.
Firefighters found the fast-growing blaze in the middle part of the building. Crews went to the roof to provide ventilation for the flames and smoke to keep flames from spreading vertically into adjoining businesses, firefighters reported.
Crews contained the blaze to the center portion of the building.
Fire damaged two of the units, which hadn’t yet opened for business. They were home to Compass Property Management and 7 Seas Brewing. Three other occupants had smoke and fire damage.
Investigators determined that a space heater left on under a desk caused the blaze, the Fire Department reported. The losses were estimated at $750,000.
Stacey Mulick, The News Tribune
Originally published: January 15th, 2009 11:43 PM (PST)
Does anyone have an update to this story? Will 7 Seas Brewery “rise from the ashes” like the Phoenix?