Huge fire damages several businesses in downtown Bothell

A large blaze in downtown Bothell that has damaged several businesses has been declared under control, but firefighters continue to battle hot spots.

The fire was reported at 2:47 a.m. in the historic building The Mercantile, 18104 102nd Ave. N.E., which was being renovated into six stories of housing. The building was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived and the flames could be seen for miles, said Bothell Fire Department spokeswoman Kirsten Clemens.

The fire was centered at 102nd Avenue Northeast and Main Street.

The fire spread to the Bothell Mall, which houses several small businesses.

The popular Kozy Corner Cafe and a Wells Fargo Bank branch were also damaged, although the extent of the damage was not immediately known, Clemens said.

A construction crane at The Mercantile melted from the heat of the flames.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. Clemens said there were no injuries.

“I have not seen a fire of this magnitude in Bothell before,” she told KIRO-TV.

The fire also disrupted power in the area, delaying the start of classes at nearby Cascadia College until 10 a.m.

Long after the fire was declared under control, firefighters battled flare-ups, including a large one at the Bothell Mall.

Roads in and around downtown Bothell were closed as firefighters mopped up the fire.

Some residents were evacuated due to the flames and heavy smoke, Clemens said. It wasn’t clear when they would be allowed to return home.

Firefighters from Bellevue, Eastside Fire and Rescue, Woodinville and Shoreline are assisting Bothell fire.

Hobin Lin, whose restaurant Hana Sushi is located in the Bothell Mall, said his business was not damaged. But he said it was a shame the fire damaged other businesses.