Large SW Redmond shop burns; three escape unhurt

A large shop in southwest Redmond was destroyed by fire early Friday morning, and three people staying in it as they moved into their new home escaped without injury, officials said.

Homeowner Jill Wolfe said what matters most is that everyone, including her 15-year-old son, got out safely.

“The fact that he was alive was a miracle, and the two young men that brought our daughter home from college just two days ago were alive,” she said tearfully later Friday.

Redmond Fire & Rescue officials arrived shortly before 4 a.m. at the 25-by-70-foot shop at 408 Southwest 27 th Street to find it engulfed, said Fire Marshal Traci Cooper.

“The Redmond Police and Redmond Fire — to see them in action was stunning, and there was nothing that could be saved. But it was nothing short of miraculous because of the location of our shop,” said Wolfe.

About a dozen firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the shop without damage to nearby structures, Cooper said. The value of the destroyed building and contents was estimated at $50,000.

“Having well-trained fire crews on scene quickly prevented additional loss to nearby structures,” said Fire Chief Tim Moore.

The Wolfes recently bought the property and were in the process of moving in, the fire marshal said. They were using the shop to store their belongings while moving into their new home.

Three people spending the night in the shop escaped without injury and called 911. Cooper said the Red Cross was called in to assist the family with its needs.

The cause of the fire was undetermined and still under investigation. Mutual-aid assistance was provided by Redmond police and public works.

Some neighbors heard explosions, though Cooper wasn’t sure what items had made the sounds.

Cooper said the large family had some friends visiting, so three were sleeping in the shop Thursday night. She said it’s a good reminder to make sure there are working smoking alarms in any area where people sleep.