The fire at the Kent mill was extinguished late Dec. 3 after burning for over 38 hours, the Kent Fire Department said in a statement Sunday. Access to nearby businesses is restored.
We’ve copied the full text of the fire department’s latest update below.
Read our previous reporting here:
The mill in downtown Kent is burning, city in shock and mourning [photos + video]
Watch a video of the moment the Kent mill exploded
Rotting wheat in the mill tower ‘was a fire hazard,’ former employee says
Dec. 4 press release
The 3-alarm fire at 162 North Water Street, former Williams Brothers /Star of the West Mill that began on the morning of December 2, 2022, has been fully extinguished. Kent firefighters returned to the scene twice yesterday (December 3) to extinguish hot spots at 8:15am and again at 11:00pm.
Firefighters in Kent continued to be taxed responding to an additional 31 emergency responses for fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on December 3rd.
Demolition contractors continued to work throughout Saturday morning. Contractors will return to the scene on Monday to assess the situation, and begin removal of the debris.
All surrounding businesses have permission from the fire department to reopen.
The Kent Service Department cleaned and restored the area back to normal. A small portion of N. Water Street remains closed due to an unstable area in front of one of the buildings. All businesses on N. Water Street are easily accessible.
The Kent Police Department has stepped up patrols of the area for security purposes. All of those visiting the area are required to remain behind any yellow caution tape or barricades that have been put in place. The investigation of the fire will resume on Monday.
