Fire tears through barn in Oakville 

Grays Harbor Fire District 1 in Oakville responded to a structure fire Monday evening several miles north of town.

At about 6:30 p.m., the department was alerted to a structure fire on the 200 block of Elma Gate Road, said Chief Carlton Rhoades.

“The engine was on scene within eight minutes,” Rhoades said in an interview. “I’d call it well involved. Heavy smoke, light flames coming out of the side.”

Firefighters from Grays Harbor Fire District 1, with assistance from East Grays Harbor Fire & Rescue, rapidly beat the fire down, Rhoades said.

“We got a quick knockdown,” Rhoades said. “I’d say we were transitioned into overhaul within a half hour.”

The structure was approximately 24-foot by 36-foot and was used as a woodworking shop, Rhoades said, with lots of stuff inside. Damage to the structure was substantial, Rhoades said.

“We have no idea what the cause was,” Rhoades said. “I’d say it’ll have to be a complete tear down.”

About 15 firefighters from both Grays Harbor Fire District 1 and East Grays Harbor Fire & Rescue responded to the fire, Rhoades said. The Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fire, but it is not believed to be criminal in origin, Rhoades said.