Fire Destroys Lopez Island Landmark -- Richardson Store Catered To Fishermen, Farmers, Tourists

Ash and smoldering timber are all that's left today of historic Richardson General Store on Lopez Island in the San Juans. An explosive fire, fanned by 30-knot winds, destroyed the store Saturday night.

``The sky was glowing red five miles away,'' said Lopez Island Fire Chief Larry Schulze. ``We had real trouble on our hands.''

The fire was reported at 8:55 p.m. Saturday. By the time fire crews arrived at 9:11 p.m., the white clapboard walls of the store were collapsing into the flames.

Storm-driven southwest wind carried burning debris into a nearby bulk-fuel depot, and sparks and cinders fell onto nearby residences.

``The winds were pushing the flames right up against the fuel tanks,'' said Schulze. ``And so our first priority was to throw up a wall of water, cool those tanks and drive back the fire. I knew if we didn't get that situation under control fast, those tanks would blow and take off the south end of this island.''

Three engines, a water tanker, and 19 members of the all-volunteer fire department struggled for more than six hours against the blaze before bringing it under control. Crews remained at the scene through yesterday to watch for flare-ups as state and county fire marshals sifted through the debris in an effort to determine the cause.

It was the first major structural fire on the island in five years.

Ken and Sue Shaw of Lopez Island, who have owned and operated the store for the past 12 years, said they're not sure of their exact dollar loss. Ken Shaw said whatever it is, he's thankful no one was hurt.

``All I can tell you right now is that it was a terrible, absolutely terrible fire, and we're very lucky no one was injured. I give tremendous credit to the super effort made by our volunteer firefighters,'' he said.

Richardson General Store was on the register of historic places. The old building, standing on pilings over the water, was a welcome sight to generations of fishermen and sailors.

At the turn of the century, Richardson was a major port of the islands and the general store a favorite meeting place. Farmers needing to ship produce to Puget Sound markets via steamship would gather at the store. Fishermen would unload their catches at the wharf, then stop in to buy supplies and swap news with cannery workers.

Old-timers and yellowing newspapers describe the San Juan Channel choked with salmon, the wharf loud with activity and the general store a place with standing room only.

In more recent years, Richardson General Store continued to be crowded during summer months. A favorite tourist stop on Lopez Island, the store was as scenic inside as out. All manner of sundries could be found stacked floor to ceiling: feed for farm animals, baby diapers and blue jeans, kerosene lanterns and work shoes, housewares, beer, wine and groceries. And Fishermen continued to stop for fuel at the adjacent depot.

Ken Shaw said he is not sure whether he will rebuild, and said insurance will cover some of the loss. He said he plans to continue operating the fuel stop for the gill-net fleet.