3 businesses burn in strip-mall fire in Lakewood

A fire in a Lakewood business district occupied firefighters from four departments for more than five hours Monday.

Thick black smoke and flames still were evident several hours after the fire was reported at 11:30 a.m. as firefighters attacked the blaze from the exterior of the building, which housed three businesses.

Capt. Jenny Sharp of the Lakewood Fire Department said a 911 call came from an owner of one of the businesses, near South 84th Street and South Tacoma Way. The fire appeared to have started in the center store of three retail spaces in a strip mall near the intersection.

Sharp did not know which business owner made the emergency call, but she said that person was able to ensure that all occupants left the building.

Sharp said no one was injured. Fire officials were waiting to gain access to the building Monday afternoon before they could investigate the cause of the fire. Sharp said it was not known if the owners were insured for their losses.

Sharp did not have the complete names of all three businesses, but a burned sign at the scene partially read "U.S. Trader."

A second store, Universal Tires and Wheels, also was damaged in the fire. A woman identified as Questan Saber, owner of the third shop, called Holly's Thrift Store, fainted at the scene and was later revived.

Meyer Floor Covering, next to the burning building, was being protected by firefighters.

Crews from Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place and Central Pierce fire departments responded to the scene.

A portion of South Tacoma Way was closed while firefighters worked.

Fire investigators urge witnesses, customers, or anyone in the area when the fire started to call the Lakewood Police Department at 253-830-5000 with any information.