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Published 3:14 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

Flames Wednesday afternoon destroyed the state highway department’s bunkhouse at Snoqualmie

pass summit. Loss was estimated at $150,000. Equipment

repair shops and the state patrol’s radio room and

dormitory in the adjoining building were saved by road

crews who left their snow-fighting equipment to battle the

fire, which broke out about 1 p.m.

The 150-foot long frame building, razed to its

stone foundation, provided living quarters for some 40

men. Bunks, shower facilities, mess hall and cook shack

were situated on the main floor. The ground level

basement accommodated the highway department’s radio

room, and was used for storage and as a recreation area.

Patrol Cars Radio Out

Radio communications with the summit were disrupted by the fire, but the state patrol had set up a

24-hour communication through its patrol cars

yesterday afternoon, Sgt. L.H. Baker said. This contact was to

be continued until the patrol’s radio station could

resume operation.

Fire extinguishers and hose with two-inch

outlets were available at the summit for fire fighting

operations, but no heavy equipment was available. Slides

blocked the western approach to the pass and the building

was burned before help could be brought from the east.

Origin of the fire was not definitely established,

but it was believed to have started in the west end of

the building. The highway department’s radio

equipment was destroyed soon after the operator sent a message

to the department in Seattle that the building was on fire.

Highway crews who have been engaged in one of the heaviest snow clearing battles in memory at the

summit, are being housed at Sunset lodge and

Keechelus inn. Sgt. Baker said he understood that the men

were able to save most of their personal belongings.