Blaze In Historic Building Destroys Five Sandpoint, Washington Businesses

Five businesses were destroyed Monday by an early-morning fire that tore through a historic brick building in downtown Sandpoint. City officials estimated the fire caused between $4 million and $7 million in damage to the 100-year-old structure. City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said seven businesses were affected by fire, smoke or water damage, while five were a total loss. The Grace Sandpoint church was saved but damaged. “This is obviously a devastating incident for us,” Stapleton said Monday. “Not only for those businesses directly impacted, but our businesses in the surrounding area.” Stapleton said the fire began at about 1 a.m. along North First Avenue, between Bridge Street and Main Street. The cause has not been determined.