Downtown Issaquah fire forces closure of two businesses

An Jan. 11 early morning fire in Downtown Issaquah caused severe damage to two local businesses, forcing them to close indefinitely.

Smoke was reported emanating from El Abuelo, a Mexican grocery and convenience store at 147 Front Street North, at approximately 2:48 a.m., according to Eastside Fire and Rescue.

EFR Fire Marshal Tim Pilling said an Issaquah police officer smelled smoke and then tracked it down to the source of the fire. "No flames were visible and the fire had burned itself out by the time firefighters arrived," he said.

The cause of the fire is not yet unknown, and no estimate of damage is reported.

Damage is estimated at $100,000 for the contents and the structure of both businesses.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Neighboring business Troy Hair Salon also suffered water damage and was forced to keep their doors closed.

Troy owner Troy Kline was busy Monday morning trying to salvage his hairdressing and salon equipment amid the din of rainwater leaking through a hole in the ceiling — firefighters cut it to check for fire on the building's roof, which was shared in common by the two businesses.

Kline praised the multiple offers of help he received from fellow business owners in the downtown area, and hopes to re-open is business in a different location by the end of the week.

Appointments can still be made at Troy by phone, 392-6505, said Kline.

"The business owners really look out for each other down here," he said.