SEABECK, Wash. — A century-old community club in southwest Kitsap County was destroyed in a fire Wednesday night.
"We're gonna rebuild as a community," said Vickie Napora, vice president of the Holly Community Club. "Everybody here in the community will help do whatever we can to get a new club back. It's just sad that we won't have the old one."
Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam said a passerby saw the fire at the Holly Community Club while driving by around 10:30 p.m.
The building, which was originally a schoolhouse and later transitioned to a community center, was fully engulfed in flames.
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR) tweeted that crews battled the flames past 11:30 p.m., with multiple units called in from other departments.
CKFR said due to the rural area, a strike team was deployed and reportedly shuttled water for several hours from Camp Union. Tens of thousands of gallons were needed, according to CKFR.
There were no injuries in the fire, according to the fire department.
The county’s fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. Lynam said all indications pointed to the building being well maintained.
The former schoolhouse, which Napora said was "a staple" in the community, was preparing to celebrate its centennial later this year.
In 1922, the building served as a schoolhouse. Over the years, residents have used it for weddings, Christmas parties and other events. The club was planning to host an Easter egg hunt this weekend.
Holly resident Bob Gregor, whose daughter got married at the club, said there were a lot of memories brought up in getting ready for the centennial.
"It's really sad to see something like this go away," Gregor said.
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