Federal Way fire destroys local businesses

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A two-alarm fire ripped through a strip mall in Federal Way early Sunday morning, destroying numerous businesses.

The massive fire moved fierce and fast.

>>PHOTOS: Numerous businesses destroyed in strip mall fire

It was reported around 4:20 a.m. at 2020 S. 320th Street in a shopping center across from The Commons.

By the time South King Fire crews arrived, flames were shooting high into the air.

One witness shared photos he’d taken before crews got on the scene. The fire appeared to be concentrated on the far right of the building where a Vietnamese Pho restaurant was located.

“Literally within a minute it started from one of the buildings to all different sections and it just burst into a huge fire,” the unnamed witness said.

Crews had to fight the fire from the outside.

As the sun came up, the full extent of the damage became much more clear.

“It's really hard and sad,” Lori Camacho said.

One of the businesses destroyed was a Subway Sandwich shop.

Camacho works for the owner at a different location now.

“I came yesterday and I saw the store. Like oh my gosh, I saw it for the last time,” Camacho added.

The fire gutted at least nine businesses and left at least a couple dozen people without a job.

La Tiendita Latino, a Mexican grocery store and restaurant, was also destroyed.

The owner, watched in horror as crews worked to put out the fire. He told KIRO 7 off camera he'd been in business for 18 years and employed 20 people.

Meanwhile, concerned family members were woken up from their sleep to check on their loved ones. One woman came out in her pajamas and robe.

Neighboring business owners also rushed out.

“I felt bad for them because we know some of them,” Mae Macatangay, the owner of Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studio, said. “And it's just all gone.”

“I'm heartbroken for the businesses that are lost and I'm grateful that our building has been saved,” said Kimberly Demile, the owner of Federal Way Jazzercise Fitness Studio.

The fire also caused minor damage to a nearby building.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries.

According to Fire Marshal Gordon Goodsell, the 1970s era building did not have a sprinkler system or fire alarms.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Cox Media Group