West Seattle Blog… | UPDATE: Flames rip through the historic Camp Long lodge in West Seattle Park

(Added: Reader photo by Trevor)

8:06 p.m.: Seattle fire sent a “full response” to 5200 35th SW, the address for Camp Long. “Multiple calls regarding a building on fire” in the park, the report said.

8:08 p.m.: The first units on scene report that it is a “working fire.” They demand more engines. They describe the burning building as a “single-family home with a basement.”

8:16 p.m.: They report that the fire is “partially knocked down.” They also report broken windows on at least one level. We don’t yet know if this is the park’s historic lodge. We have WSB team members on the way. Note that police are closing 35th Street in the area.

(Added: Reader photo by Kevin Freitas)

8:22 p.m.: The building is too dangerous for firefighters, so they flee. A nearby neighbor confirms that the hut is on fire.

(Added: Photo by Sharonn Meeks)

8:33 p.m.: The lodge, which is over 80 years old, is built of wood and stone and is used both for rentals for events and for park programs. The fire hasn’t gone out yet.

8:48 p.m.: People in the area say that even when it rains you can smell smoke from miles away. Firefighters have been on site fighting the fire for 40 minutes now.

(Added: reader photo sent by Kacie)

9:05 p.m.: Southbound 35th will reopen. Some of the units on site will be laid off.

9:16 p.m.: SFD says the fire has been extinguished and is under investigation. No injuries were reported. The lodge was renovated in 2010. We will check with Parks tomorrow and be on site to find out the extent of the damage.

9:40 p.m.: More reader views of what happened during the climax of the firefight – the first video was linked in a comment from Tony:

Kerry Antezana shows us the role of a firefighter: