Severe fire damage occurred at the historic Camp Long in West Seattle

One of the main buildings at historic Camp Long in Seattle's West Seattle neighborhood caught fire Monday evening, causing damage that has yet to be determined.

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) reported in a thread posted on X just after 8 p.m. Monday that a fire was reported in the 5200 block of 35th Avenue SW. Nine minutes later, at 8:17 p.m., the SFD said the fire was reported on the first floor of the lodge. It also had a second floor and a basement. In its coverage of the fire, the West Seattle Blog confirmed that this was the address of Camp Long.

A few minutes later, the SFD stated that crews had to proceed to a “defensive attack” because a hole had been found in the floor of the building's first floor.

The fire was extinguished at 9:16 p.m., the West Seattle Blog reported, citing the SFD. At this time, the SFD also released its final X post on the fire, which stated that no injuries had been reported and that the cause of the fire was under investigation. Most crews who had reported to the scene returned to duty at this time, although some remained at the scene to monitor.

The West Seattle Blog also has several photos and videos of the scene, detailing what SFD members endured to put out the fire and the aftermath once extinguished.

An SFD spokesman said KIRO 7 crews were still assessing the damage late Monday evening. The Seattle outlet also confirmed that the SFD closed portions of 35th Avenue Southwest and Dawson Street while emergency crews worked the scene.

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More about Camp Long in West Seattle

Camp Long, a City of Seattle property near the West Seattle Golf Course, is a 68-acre, multi-use park. Among other things, it offers “visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature” and “learn about natural history,” according to the city’s website.

Additionally, Camp Long has several structures on the property, including ten “rustic cabins” and the main hall, which provides an “ideal setting for ceremonies, parties and other special events.” The West Seattle Blog noted that the lodge is more than 80 years old.

This main hall features a brick fireplace and high ceiling and can accommodate a maximum of 72 people.

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The reaction caused shock among several people who lived near the park as they were shocked by what they saw at the scene.

“We love Camp Long. We have lived here for almost 25 years. We've spent a lot of time here with our dog and our families and it's just heartbreaking to see it today,” Carrie Antezana, who lives near the park, told KIRO 7.

Steve Coogan is the managing editor of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories here. Keep following Steve Xor send him an email here.