October 30, 2023 4:00 a.m.

A commercial metal building that was part of a Sutherlin business appears to be a total loss after a fire Sunday morning.

Calls to 911 began reporting the blaze at approximately 7:00 a.m. It was at the corner of West Central Avenue and Grant Street. The structure was behind Tim’s Tree House, in a complex that was formerly home to Robinsons Building Supply, which closed in the summer of 2020 after 45 years in business.

During the fire, flames stretched high with a heavy amount of smoke that could be seen from a wide area. Information from the Sutherlin Fire Department, released on social media, said a second and third alarm was requested with resources arriving quickly to protect adjacent structures. Approximately 40 firefighters assisted in battling the blaze.

By 3:00 p.m. Sunday the building was still smoldering, while a few Sutherlin Fire Department firefighters remained on the scene. The nearby store, a second metal building and a number of vehicles contained in a fenced in area just west of the burned building appeared to be relatively intact.

Sutherlin Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Fair Oaks Rural Fire District, Oakland Rural Fire District, Douglas County Fire District No.2, Kellogg Rural Fire District and the Roseburg Fire Department. Sutherlin Police and public works crews assisted as well.

SFD said additional information will be released at a later time.