By Douglas Buell

dbuell@arlingtontimes.com

ARLINGTON – A two-alarm fire in downtown Arlington Monday night damaged one of the town’s original historic buildings along Olympic Avenue.

Arlington firefighters responded to a 9-1-1 call just after 7 p.m. at North Olympic and East Second Street.

The city’s communications director, Kristin Banfield, said the fire that gutted the 2 Bits & More thrift store was difficult for firefighters to put out due to the age and construction of the late 1800’s building. The store had undergone renovations over the years, so as firefighters went in they found pockets where there could be more fire.

Banfield said that loud booms heard during the incident were from a partial collapse on the back side of the building. A pressurized heat explosion from inside the building also blew out the thrift shop’s front window.

Bistro San Martin next door was used to vent some of the pressure, but is closed on Mondays so no one was in the building

No injuries have been reported to firefighters or occupants inside second-story apartments adjacent to and behind the building; however, 10-15 residents were displaced.

Banfield said the Support 46 Team, a support and chaplains program in Arlington, is helping those displaced. The city has also reached out to the American Red Cross for assistance.

Arlington Fire was assisted by Station 22 Getchell, North County Fire, Oso Fire and and Marysville Fire District.

Road closures cordoned off Olympic between Second and Fourth streets.

The fire broke out during a City Council work session in City Hall directly across the street.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.