The Cedar Furniture by Best manufacturing facility on the 5th Street Extension in Hoquiam was destroyed by a fire early Wednesday morning.

The fire was first reported about 4:30 a.m., and when owner Terry Kost arrived shortly after Hoquiam firefighters the building was completely engulfed in flames.

“I could see flames all the way from Lincoln Street,” he said.

Aberdeen firefighters also responded to fight the fire and an agent from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was called in to assist Hoquiam Fire Department, Ocean Shores Fire Department and Hoquiam Police with the fire investigation. The investigation began about noon Wednesday, as firefighters were still putting out a few remaining hot spots. The roadway in the area of the fire remained closed into the afternoon and, according to Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers, was expected to be closed most of the day.

Firefighters believe the blaze started in the back of the building, which Kost said was vacant. There were lights in that portion of the facility, but they were turned off before the plant closed Tuesday evening. There were no accelerants in that part of the building, said Kost, adding he didn’t lose any inventory in the fire, and nobody was in the building when the fire started.

“The worst part is, I’ve had a guy working for me for 20 years who, as of this morning, no longer has a job,” said Kost.

Kost purchased the facility, located at 1135 5th Street, in 2002. The building was a total loss, as was the equipment, including fork lifts. The facility produced outdoor cedar furniture, including benches, chairs, tables, planter boxes and archways. Kost also owns a cedar shake mill across the street from the fire scene. He said he has been in the timber industry for 30 years.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

DAN HAMMOCK THE DAILY WORLD Firefighters were still mopping up the scene of a fire at a cedar furniture manufacturing facility in Hoquiam at noon Wednesday. The fire was reported about 4:30 a.m.