At 5:41 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at 180 West Beach Road.

First on scene was Division Chief Patrick Shepler, who reported the structure fully involved and threatening a nearby barn. Eastsound Engine 21 arrived within nine minutes, just as a second alarm was called.

Westsound’s Engine 22 and Water Tender were quickly on scene, followed by Orcas Engine 26 and Rosario’s Engine 23. Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire while others gained access to the barn by prying boards from the south side. The interior crew used compressed air foam to stop the fire from entering the barn just as flames started scorching paint cans stored inside. In all, 27 fire and rescue members worked to extinguish the fire and the fire was declared under control at approximately 6:50 pm.

Firefighters remained on scene working for an additional 2.5 hours. The Auxiliary also responded with food for the fire crew and clothing for the residents who escaped unharmed but lost everything in the home, which was a total loss.