Downtown Dayton fire burns Eagles building and damages others

DAYTON-The Dayton Eagles building caught fire around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, and was quickly, fully involved. The fire appeared to be contained just before 5:30 p.m, as firefighters from College Place entered the building to check for 'hot spots, according to a social media post by Columbia County Port Director, Jennie Dickinson.

Columbia County Fire District 3 was joined by crews from Waitsburg, Dixie, Walla Walla County District 4, Walla Walla ladder trucks, and Walla Walla strike teams. Nearly a dozen fire trucks were on scene.

Reports of a firefighter being "stuck on the second floor" or having "fallen through the roof" quickly began circulating on social media. The firefighter from Columbia Walla Walla Fire District 2, was injured and taken to the ER after getting hit by a fire hose, and the family confirmed that he was doing well shortly after. It is important during emergency situations to refrain from spreading hearsay to prevent panic or distress the family members of emergency responders. In small towns, responders are often friends, neighbors, or family.

The building has not been occupied and the members of the Eagles have been preparing the building for upcoming events. Volunteers have been working to repair the roof and finish up other projects throughout the building. The first official event was planned for All Wheels Weekend, according to multiple witnesses at the scene. The roof was just repaired and an inspection was pending.

The day of the fire sent plumes of smoke visible miles away. Residents in Waitsburg could smell the smoke before many knew there was a fire. It was apparent at the scene that the buildings adjacent to the Eagles building suffered water and smoke damage, if not fire damage. Buildings down the block and across the street also appear to have substantial exposure to smoke.

Specific details surrounding the fire, including the cause of the blaze and damage to surrounding buildings, were unavailable at the time The Times went to print. This is a developing story.