Novus Auto Glass, 67 Hooker Road, in Carlsborg caught fire around 9:45 p.m. Thursday, June 24.
Clallam County Fire District 3 reported to the scene after district employee John McIntyre called in the fire to 9-1-1 after seeing smoke.
Assistant Chief Tony Hudson said the fire was accidental, with an ember from a welding unit more than likely starting it.
No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported.
Flames filled the building, making the aluminum garage doors bow out. Smoke was seen as far east as River Road and obstructed visibility for drivers on U.S. Highway 101.
Business owner and building renter Brent Larson said four vehicles were inside: a 1937 Plymouth, a 1958 Volkswagen, Karmann Ghia, a 1966 Ford pickup and a 2000 Ford Ranger.
Damage to the vehicles and business was extensive.
Customers owned the Plymouth and the Karmann Ghia, which were being restored. Larson rents the building from Elmer Forderer of Sequim. Both men had fire insurance.
Six fire engines, an aid car, Clallam County Sheriff and Olympic Ambulance were on site with more than 20 firefighters.
“We initiated an aggressive fire attack, were able to cut through the doors and continued our suppression with both career and volunteer personnel as additional resources arrived on scene,†Captain Daryl Sharpe said.
Clallam County Public Utility District shut off power to the building.
Post-fire
Larson said he is up and running again with the help of Lee Forderer, owner of Olympic Arma Coating, 61 Hooker Road.
Novus’ employees are temporarily operating out of one of Olympic’s bays and offices.
“They probably would do the same for me,†Forderer said about loaning the space.
Larson said he was grateful for Clallam County Fire District 3’s quick response time and that if it had been another 10 minutes things would have been worse.
He was able to salvage several pieces of glass, a computer and tools from the fire.
Novus Auto Glass is operating its regular hours and can be reached at 681-7776.
Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
