On the heels of the New Year's celebrations, disaster struck at Viet-Wah Asian Food Market in Renton, with a fire erupting on the premises shortly after midnight yesterday. According to the King5 report, Renton firefighters responded to an initial call for an "unknown fire" on the 2800 block of Northeast Sunset Boulevard. The first engine on the scene immediately requested backup upon encountering "heavy fire" from the back of the market. Efforts by the firefighters to quickly extinguish the flames were successful, further supported by additional crews that conducted a thorough search and confirmed the absence of individuals inside the structure.
The incident escalated to a 2nd alarm response due to the fire's intensity but, eventually, crews were able to carry out overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished, as noted by KIRO 7. This was a critical step in confirming the safety of the structure and its surroundings. Sadly, the fire was said to have been caused by a firework, a source of celebration turned to one of destruction in this unfortunate incident.
Residents expressed their distress over the unexpected event, harboring concerns about the immediate impact on the community. "This is my family’s store here in the area. I am so sad because it caught fire," one man lamented in an interview, per KOMO News. He wasn't alone in his sentiments. Another resident, identified as James, highlighted the integral role the market played, especially during the pandemic. He added, "When it comes to Asian groceries, everyone is looking in this area for it. [It's] definitely a huge impact. Probably the next area is downtown Renton, another 10-15 minute drive from here, so this is definitely the most convenient place in the area and I hope it gets back soon."
