Firefighters respond to fire at popular Steilacoom restaurant
Fire crews were called Tuesday morning to a popular restaurant in Steilacoom for a report of a fire. Investigators are looking into the cause.
Firefighters with West Pierce Fire & Rescue responded shortly after 10 a.m. to Topside Bar & Grill, 215 Wilkes St. A spokesperson for the fire department, Emily Tencer, said the report mentioned the building’s HVAC system, and arriving crews saw smoke coming from the building.
No injuries have been reported, and the extent of any damage is unclear. Damage did not appear to be visible on the building’s exterior. Restaurant staff were standing outside, and fire engines were on the scene, with a ladder truck extended toward the roof.
Smoke and flames were around the HVAC system when crews arrived, according to Tencer, who said it was hard to tell if the fire was sparked internally or externally. She said crews fought the fire from inside and outside the building.
Tencer said the fire had been contained by about 11:30 a.m., but it was not completely under control.
“It’s essentially, basically under control right now but we still want to keep an eye on it just in case,” Tencer said.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue announced on social media at 12:15 p.m. that the fire was under control.
Nearby roads were blocked off due to the fire response.
Staff writer Jon Manley contributed to this report.
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 12:02 PM.
