Two-Alarm Fire Causes $100K in Damage to Aviary, Barista

Collateral damage as a result of overzealous Fourth of July celebrating: According to Portland Fire & Rescue, illegal fireworks are to blame for a two-alarm fire at the NE Alberta building that houses Aviary restaurant and Barista coffee. The fire started at 10:15pm last night after an illegal firework landed on the roof of the building, lighting it ablaze and causing an estimated $100,000 in damage — $60K to the roof and $40K to the building's contents. Both spots will be closed at least through today, possibly longer.

According to Barista's Twitter feed, the fire caused major water damage — "I have a cascade of water running down my walls and through my light fixtures," owner Billy Wilson twatted — and it seems like the coffee spot is looking for other options to stay in business, at least while damage repair gets underway. "Brainstorming ideas of how to keep serving Alberta while the repairs are being done. Cart in the courtyard?"

More information about the re-opening prospects of both businesses as soon as it becomes available.
· Portland Fire & Rescue Respond to 2-Alarm Fire in Commercial Building [PDX Traffic]

Image courtesy nboodin via Twitpic