TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Metro Parks officials have told The News Tribune they believe the fire-damaged pagoda building at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma can be repaired.
The nearly century-old landmark suffered substantial damage in Friday morning’s two-alarm fire.
No one was injured, but flames burned through the basement, main hall and roof where firefighters had to tear back tiles to douse hot spots in the attic.
The fire was reported about 4:30 a.m. by a Metro Parks garbage worker. Fire Department spokesman Joe Meineck said it took about an hour to control.
No word yet on the cause. There was a wedding rehearsal Thursday night.
The pagoda in the park’s Japanese garden is a replica of a 17th century Japanese lodge. It accommodated up to 200 people for weddings, memorial services and parties.