For the Reporter

A fire investigator is working to determine what started a fire in an abandoned warehouse in the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue North on Sunday night.

Firefighters from the Kent Regional Fire Authority were dispatched at 10:22 p.m., when passersby noticed smoke and flames coming from the single-story metal clad building. Although reaching the fire was difficult, firefighters were able to extinguish it quickly.

Two searches of the building found no one inside, Kent RFA said.

The building has not been used for at least two years and is regularly occupied by transients. A similar fire approximately one year ago was caused by people starting a fire inside the structure.

There were several concerns for firefighters during the fire, specific to this building. First, the potential for high levels of combustible materials such as bedding and clothing. Second, unauthorized changes to the structure that could affect its integrity. Finally, any flammable materials such as gasoline or propane that might be in the building, which could explode or add to the fire.

Attempts to reach the building’s owner were unsuccessful.