EVERETT, Wash. - Firefighters in Everett are investigating the cause of an early morning fire at Emory's, a popular restaurant on Silver Lake.
The Everett Fire Department received the 9-1-1 call around 4:30 a.m. Monday. The caller said they saw flames shooting from the roof and heavy smoke coming out of all sides of the restaurant. When firefighters were driving to the scene, they said they could see the flames from across the lake.
The fire department called all on- and off-duty firefighters to fight the fire. Part of the roof of the building collapsed, causing considerable damage and forcing firefighters to take a defensive stance.
Owner, Emory Cole watched in a haze as his 15 year-old business burned.
"I've got 50 employees who aren't going to have a very good Christmas it looks like," he said.
People living in the area know Emory's on Silver Lake well. Neighbor Natalie McBride saw the flames early this morning and immediately thought of the restaurant owners.
"My heart goes out to them. I'm really sad," she said.
No one was hurt and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Cole says his restaurant recently underwent a fire inspection and everything looked good. He says he can't imagine what may have caused the fire.
Emory's is located in the 1100 block of 19th Avenue.
All lanes of State Route 527 near the restaurant were closed for a couple of hours but have since re-opened.
janscott said on November 9, 2009 at 12:32 PM
We were so sad to hear about Emory's Restaurant fire. Emory's was one of our favorite restaurants. Having dinner at Emory's on New Year's Eve is our tradition. We hope they will rebuild soon. We will be there when the doors open again. Mr Cole and his staff are in our prayers.
lseidel said on November 9, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Emory, You and the whole Cole family will be in our prayers. Hopefully you will be able to rebuild the restaurant soon. Our prayers also go out to the employees of Emory's who lost their jobs atleast until Emory's is rebuilt. We will be back dining at Emory's when you are open again.