RENTON, Wash. — Renton residents are showing support for a local business, after a fire early Saturday morning ripped through the beloved mom-and-pop grocery store, Top of the Hill Quality Produce.
Police said Sunday they are investigating the fire that gutted the grocery store as arson. Investigators found the fire was intentionally set by an "incendiary device in the back of the building."
"This is the heart of the community up here in the Renton Highlands," said worker Kat Losby.
Many are feeling heartbroken by what happened at this longtime mom-and-pop grocery store.
“It's just a huge devastation to the community," Losby said.
Losby is one of the workers at Top of the Hill Quality Produce. It's been providing the community with everything it needs for more than a decade.
"This is the place to come to say hi, to have a smile to have some laughs to buy great produce and fantastic organic meats," Losby said.
"Destroyed, the whole thing is destroyed. It's just burnt to a crisp inside."
This is the result after several fire departments responded to sounds of an explosion and fire coming from the roof at the business around 3 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.
"Just tears, everybody's in tears,” said Losby. “Everybody's just so sad. Like what do we all do now? This is the livelihood for many of us. Just a lot of unknowns."
It's still unclear what started the fire.
But the owners said on its website this setback is not the end. And they’re committed to rebuilding and continuing to serve this community they love.
"They're so thankful and really appreciate all the customers, everybody, I mean there's been so much support and continual support,” said Losby. “And I love working here, it's been great. So, thank you."