PORT TOWNSEND — Historic Aldrich’s grocery, 940 Lawrence St., was gutted by fire early Monday morning.
Owners of the grocery say they will rebuild the Uptown landmark, the oldest independent grocery store in the state, at the intersection of Lawrence and Tyler streets.
“We will do everything to get back in business as quickly as possible,” co-owner Jonathon Ryweck said.
Two Port Townsend firefighters narrowly escaped injury when an explosion occurred on the second floor. The firefighters were going to see if anyone was in an apartment on the third floor at the time of the explosion. There were no injuries to firefighters during the blaze.
Damage is estimated at more than $1 million, Port Townsend Assistant Fire Chief Tom Aumock said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by a team of 12 fire investigators from the Olympic Peninsula and Kitsap County. Fire officials said it is too early to tell if the fire’s origin is suspicious.
Police Chief Kristen Anderson said her department will post an officer at the site for security.
—————–
The rest of the story appears in the Tuesday Peninsula Daily News.
