Lewis County Sirens.com

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – It’s too early to tell what ignited a fire that claimed two businesses at Marys Corner south of Chehalis on Tuesday night, according to Fire Investigator Jay Birley.

Birley responded that night, took photos and looked through the scene, but planned to return today, he said.

Crews from five fire departments battled the blaze on U.S. Highway 12 at Jackson Highway, a fire that caused heavy damage to the building.

Liz Hill, owner of Mary’s Corner Deli, said she had just closed up shortly after 7 p.m., and went back inside while her car warmed up.

“There was this pop,” Hill said. “I thought somebody was in the back room, and I went back there and saw the wall was on fire.”

Hill said she filled a bucket with water, but quickly realized she needed to get out, and call 911.

“The deli’s completely gone, I lost everything,” she said yesterday. “I’m still in shock, I still can’t believe it happened.”

The Ethel resident opened her doors almost three years ago, with deli sandwiches and take-and-bake pizza. Before that, she’d been helping the building owner with her coffee shop there.

Mary’s Corner Espresso has served customers there for five years.

AeCha Jackins yesterday too was very sad for her loss, but feeling gratitude for the firefighters who tried to save the structure, and for the customers who arrived and comforted her at the scene.

They’ve become friends, she said.

“Nice people around there, I love to be there,” Jackins said. “I’m so thankful nobody hurt; that’s the most blessed thing.”

Jackins and her husband, who live in Rochester, purchased the building about 15 years ago. They and Hill both carried insurance.

Lewis County Fire District 5 Firefighter Maria Kennedy who was first on the scene described the worst of the fire in the back of the building. Hill said the room in back was used for storage.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire out of the coffee shop portion, but it sustained smoke and water damage, according to Kennedy.

Hill, who leased her space, said she really wants to re-open.

“I loved my little business,” she said.

Jackins was even more certain she would work to make sure she could serve her customers once again.

“I am going to come back, as strong as ever,” Jackins said. “I am going to rebuild.”

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For background, read “Mary’s Corner Deli burns”, from Wednesday December 3, 2014, here

Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter

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