Suspicious fire burns historic tavern in Skykomish

SKYKOMISH, Wash. (AP) — Fire officials say the Tuesday morning blaze that has destroyed the historic Whistling Post tavern in Skykomish is suspicious.

Capt. Mike Janasz told KOMO-TV the first firefighters to arrive about 4 a.m. found the front door open and unlocked, raising suspicion of a break-in.

Janasz says one firefighter suffered a hand burn and smoke inhalation. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Flames spread quickly through the wood frame building that was built in 1903. It was a landmark on Highway 2 in Skykomish, which is about 40 miles east of Everett.

Crews had to retreat and fight the fire from outside with water.

The building has collapsed, and Janasz says heavy equipment will have to move debris for investigators to look for the cause.

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Information from: KOMO-TV, http://www.komotv.com/