LAKE STEVENS — Fire investigators on Friday were unable to determine what caused a two-alarm fire that gutted the Dairy Queen and caused an estimated $500,000 in damage.
Investigators started digging through the rubble Friday afternoon. A large crane was brought in to remove a large ventilation unit that fell when the roof collapsed, a fire spokeswoman said. Fire investigators are expected to return to the ruined restaurant next week to search for clues to help them determine what sparked the blaze.
There is no indication that the fire was intentionally set, Lake Stevens Police Chief Randy Celori said.
A passerby reported the fire just after midnight. The restaurant is located in the 500 block of 91st Avenue NE, just west of Frontier Village. It had closed about 10 p.m. and there’s no indication anyone was inside when the fire started.
Fire crews found smoke pouring out of the restaurant near the kitchen area, said Deputy Chief Dave Ligenfelter.
Crews went inside to battle the blaze but were ordered out of the building when the fire raged out of control, he said. The roof collapsed and it took firefighters about three hours to knock down the flames.
Fire crews were putting out hot spots into the late morning. No one was injured.
Firefighters from Granite Falls, Marysville, Getchell, Arlington and Gold Bar assisted Lake Stevens firefighters.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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