United States (Washington) - A popular Everett restaurant was destroyed by fire early this morning and fire crews are searching for the cause. The fire was reported at Emory's Lake House restaurant on Silver Lake, 11830 19th Ave. SE at 4:30 a.m. Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon said it appears the building is a total loss. There were no injuries.

More than 40 firefighters from Everett, Lake Stevens and Marysville responded to the 4:23 a.m. fire call.

The intense fire had already burned through the roof and involved much of the structure even before the first fire unit arrived. With the serious danger of collapse at any moment, the decision was made to use a defensive strategy and the fire was fought from the outside using water streams from two ladder trucks as well as other equipment, the fire department said.

Reardon said the cause of the fire is under investigation and she had no estimate of damages.

Written by The Seattle Times