6/23/2005 5:00:00 AM Fire destroys downtown building
Fire damage estimated to be around $200,000
Flames rage high in the sky just after 6 a.m. June 20. The front of the building cracks from the heat of the fire.
By Lynda Duffy Williams-Grand Canyon News Editor
Monday morning did not begin quietly June 20 when an historical landmark building was consumed by fire. Two citizens spotted the fire in the 100 Block of West Route 66 and called the Williams Police Department. Within minutes, sirens could be heard throughout Williams. The building is located adjacent to the Canyon Club and Red Garter Bed & Bakery.
Even though the Williams Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene within minutes, the building was deemed a loss. No one was injured although one firefighter had a "heat issue," said WPD Chief Dan Barnes.
Portions of the 100-year-old building must be demolished since it poses a threat to adjacent businesses and those traveling on Route 66. Demolition will cost at least $200,000 since asbestos is present in the building, said Barnes.
The Railroad Avenue side of the building has been vacant for many years. The Route 66 side of the building formerly housed Shen's Photo Studio, Bookstore Magic and most recently, Irena's Discount.
The fire is being investigated as a possible arson since no gas or electricity was available inside the building. The building ‹ owned by Frances Reuter ‹ was in escrow at the time of the fire. Several individuals had been in and out of the building during the past week, said Barnes.
The Department of Public Safety and several departments within the city of Williams as well as citizens assisted police.
Fire breaks out again
At approximately 5 p.m., fire broke out again, reaching the Canyon Club and Red Garter Bed & Bakery. According to firefighters, the fire destroyed the dance floor area of the Canyon Club. Owners Marc and Teresa Stevens were not immediately available for comment. It was reported that Teresa Stevens purchased a pizza dinner for firefighters who worked through the night to secure the scene.
Red Garter suffered smoke and water damage. Monday's fire was the third time in more than a century that the building has survived. According to owner John Holst, the Red Garter survived not only Monday's fire, but also fires in 1901 and 1903 that destroyed buildings right up to the structure.
"She's (Red Garter) a tough old gal," Holst proudly said.
At least a million gallons of water was used to fight the fire. Much of the water was used on the rooftop and front of the Red Garter and surrounding buildings, Holst said.
An immediate concern of Holst is the demolition that must be completed on the building next to his where the fire originated.
"Thousands of people come to Williams to view Whiskey Row. The demolition of the building could create an empty tooth on the big smile people come to see," he said.
At first glance, Holst believed most of the damage to his building to be superficial.
"There is the smell, the smoke damage and clean up," he said.
Holst had nothing but praise for the WVFD.
"They risked their lives to protect our neighborhood," Holst commented.
Fire crews worked on the Red Garter until approximately 11:30 p.m. and kept watch over the Canyon Club throughout the night.
"It was impressive how well everyone worked together. We banded together as agencies and citizens and did what we do best ‹ helping one another out in Williams. I am proud to live in this town," Barnes concluded.
Reader Comments
Posted: Friday, June 24, 2005
Article comment by:
Jeff Register
Please catch the dirty culpret before he does more to 66
Jeff
