A massive blaze at the Viet-Wah Asian Food Market in Renton was caused by fireworks, fire officials said. Viet-Wah Asian Food is preparing to re-open Thursday at 9 a.m. after flames engulfed an area outside the store on Sunset Boulevard near 19th Street. Customers drove up to the storefront, only to be disappointed their specialty food store known to be open every day was temporarily closed.
'I was looking to make my pregnant wife some beef noodle soup today and unfortunately this is the second store closed,' customer Ryan James explained. A KOMO viewer who says she heard the pops of fireworks late into New Year's Eve sent snapshots of the bright orange flames engulfing part of the store. Hours later, a hole in the fence gave a clear look at the scorched paneling and smoke-damage to the walls. We're told crews searched the building but did not find anyone inside. On Facebook, the store writes its staff is assessing the total damages and are grateful no one was hurt after the fire marshal determined fireworks to be the cause. People passing by to see what's left of the back of the building said this market is a neighborhood staple. Others add that families relied on this shop through the pandemic, so the impacts are felt even with only a one-day closure. 'When it comes to Asian groceries, everyone is looking in this area for it,' James added. ' definitely a huge impact. Probably the next area is downtown Renton, another 10-15 minute drive from here, so this is definitely the most convenient place in the area and I hope it gets back soon.' The fire marshal's office had no investigation updates into the evening. A spokesperson noted that what happened highlights how damaging people's sparkling New Year celebrations can be, and a reason why Renton voters passed a ban on fireworks