Two-alarm fire destroys businesses in Hazel Dell

A two-alarm fire on Highway 99 in Hazel Dell destroyed several businesses in an office complex Wednesday morning.

Carpet City, Phoenix Protection and Styles Unlimited were among the businesses destroyed in the early morning blaze at 9013 N.E. Highway 99, north of Vancouver city limits.

The blaze was reported at about 2:45 a.m., according to a statement from Clark County Fire District 6. The building, which houses about eight businesses, was fully involved when firefighters arrived. In photos provided by the fire agency, flames can be seen in the distance as engines approached the scene.

Four fire engines from Clark County Fire District 6 responded and were assisted by several units from the Vancouver Fire Department.

Highway 99 between Northeast 99th and 78th streets was closed for hours to fight the blaze.

No one was injured in the fire, which was brought under control just before 5 a.m., according to Fire District 6. The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office will start to investigate the cause of the fire once the building is determined to be safe to enter.

Fire crews remained on scene late Wednesday morning, extinguishing hot spots. Fire District 6 spokesman Dave Schmitke estimated crews would be at the complex throughout the day, monitoring the debris inside the building, which he said was 5 to 6 feet high.

The two-story building was built in 1979, according to Columbian archives.