Fire engulfs tavern in North Seattle

SEATTLE - A fire early yesterday severely damaged a tavern and some apartments in a two-story building in north Seattle.

The fire at the Mad Dog Ale House, in the 10200 block of Greenwood Avenue North, was reported about 3:45 a.m., said Sheila Strehle, a fire department spokeswoman.

There were several apartments in the second floor of the building.

A firefighter suffered a minor back injury, Strehle said. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters fought the blaze for a while from inside the building, but had to get out because of the possibility of it collapsing, Strehle said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The damage to the building and contents is estimated at $300,000.