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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Fire razes Hillyard tavern, apartments

A three-alarm fire destroyed a tavern and several apartments in the Historic Hillyard District Saturday morning, closing Market Street for several hours and leaving six people homeless.

Firefighters were called to the Alaskan Tavern, 5108 N. Market St., about 5 a.m. after reports that people were trapped in apartments on the second floor of the building. When crews arrived, smoke and flames were showing. After firefighters quickly searched the building, it was discovered that all residents were safe.

The blaze, which kept crews busy until sundown, demolished the building, which was built in 1907.

“It’s all on the ground now,” said Battalion Chief Bob Green.

The American Red Cross is providing emergency food and clothing to the six apartment residents and emergency housing for at least two people, a spokeswoman said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Sara Leaming

Man armed with gun robs Chase Bank

Spokane police are looking for a man who robbed a northwest Spokane bank at gunpoint Saturday afternoon.

The man walked into the Chase Bank at 2215 W. Northwest Blvd. about 1 p.m., displayed a weapon and demanded money, police said.

He fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police searched the neighborhood around the bank but did not locate a suspect.

The man was wearing a black ski mask over his face, a blue and black hooded ski jacket, blue jeans and black knit gloves.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Sara Leaming

Government services, offices closed Monday

The following government offices and other services will be affected by the Presidents Day holiday Monday:

Schools: Closed

Mail: No delivery or pickup. Post offices closed.

Buses: Spokane Transit will operate on its normal schedule.

Banks: Most branches will be closed.

Government: City of Spokane offices will be open, although most other city, state, federal and county offices are closed. The Spokane County Courthouse will be closed.

Garbage: Garbage collection will be on its usual schedule this week.

Liquor stores: State-run stores will be open.

Parking meters: Do not need to be fed.

Libraries: Spokane city libraries on regular schedule. County libraries will be closed. In North Idaho, libraries will be closed.

Staff reports

South Hill house destroyed by fire

Spokane fire officials are investigating a blaze that destroyed a vacant South Hill house Thursday.

Firefighters were called to a structure fire at the corner of Rebecca Street and 37th Avenue about 9 p.m.

When crews arrived, heavy smoke was billowing from the boarded-up windows of the single-story house. The fire had moved into the ceiling and attic of the house.

Crews worked for several hours to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the house. No injuries were reported.

Sara Leaming