For the Reporter
A two-alarm fire in the 1500 block of Central Avenue South at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday was seen for miles due to the column of smoke it created.
When firefighters from the Kent RFA arrived on scene they found smoke coming from the single story concrete tilt-up building. The building is divided into separate businesses by concrete walls.
Within minutes the fire was coming through the roof of the building and spreading. Three ladder trucks were set up to shoot large quantities of water directly onto the seat of the fire while other firefighters used smaller hose lines from the outside.
It took two hours before the fire was largely out. The extent of damage is still unknown. Several businesses suffered fire, smoke and water damage.
Two firefighters were sent to a local hospital due to medical situations suffered at the fire. Neither is considered serious.
Fire departments from throughout South King County responded. The Zone 3 Fire Explorers and King County Medic One provided rehab for firefighters on scene.
Investigators determined on Wednesday it was an accidental fire caused when a worker doing roof repairs above the business used a saw which ignited combustibles, according to the Kent RFA.
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