The record Heat Dome followed the day after the fire that closed HPIC. Thus began our checklist of chores and waiting, while we gathered information. We thank all of you again for your support and donations! Here’s what we know so far:
SFD Fire Investigator’s Scene Report, via a Public Records Request through the City of Seattle:
INCIDENT SUMMARY:
IT IS THE OPINION OF THESE INVESTIGATORS THAT THIS FIRE IS UNDETERMINED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED ON THE LANDING AT THE TOP OF THE SHORT STAIRWAY ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BUILDING NEAR THE NORTHEAST CORNER. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE STAIRWAY LANDING, EXTENDING FIRE TO THE ADJACENT CRAWLSPACE FRAMING. FIRE EXTENDED UP FROM THE LANDING, THROUGH THE ENTRY DOOR, INTO THE MAIN HALL AND TO THE SECOND FLOOR AND ATTIC ABOVE. EVIDENCE OF TRANSIENT ACTIVITY WAS FOUND IN THE ENTRYWAY. AN INTENTIONALLY SET FIRE COULD NOT BE RULED OUT. THERE ARE NO PERSONS OF INTEREST RELATED TO THIS FIRE AT THIS TIME.
Insurance
As of our latest Board meeting (Weds Sept 8) we are still waiting for an “official” determination from our insurance company as to how and when the building recovery/rebuild will be funded. In the meantime we have been creating a comprehensive inventory of Business Personal Property which will be covered, and also preparing a claim for loss of Business Income. We expect the official determination on the building coverage soon. We don’t expect the insurance to cover the full cost of the renovation and will be seeking additional funding – from the neighborhood and other funders – to make the renovated space as inviting and versatile as possible.