5 Alarm Fire in Downtown Renton

A 5 alarm fire destroyed a building on Wells Ave. So. in downtown Renton last night that housed The Comic Den, A-1 Vacuum and Locksmith and several apartments. According to several reports the fire broke out sometime after 7:00pm. Renton Fire Department was joined by SeaTac, Kent and Skyway Fire Departments to help battle the blaze. Several local residents who resided in the apartments located in the destroyed building have been left homeless. The Red Cross was on the scene to help any of them who needed places to stay. All the other tenants who live in adjacent apartments are not allowed to go back to their buildings for 48 hours. According to officials they are excavating the damaged building tomorrow.

Retirement......

Well I offically "retired" as of Tuesday night. I am so looking forward to it! I have so many things I would like to do but always had work commitments. I will keep you informed of my adventures!

These first few days include getting out in my much neglected yard and just plain relaxing. I do have a wine and food pairing class tonight that I signed up through Renton Technical College. It's from 7-9:00pm. The class is scheduled at All Things Wine in the Highlands. If you haven't had a chance to visit this great wine shop, you should. They have wine and beer tastings several times a week and usually always free! http://www.allthingswineonline.com/article.espx?SHOW=12263

Friday evening is Mike's official retirement party at the Pavilion. He retired in September after spending 38 1/2 years with the Renton Fire Department (the department has recently been renamed Renton Fire and Emergency Services) http://rentonwa.gov/government/default.aspx?id=644. Mike retired as Battalion Chief. It will be fun to see all the active and retired firefigthers who have been like family to Mike and I over the years. It's pretty special the brotherhood the firefighters have towards each other and their families. - Sue