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Fire destroys downtown block in Huntington

Fire crews work on controlling a commercial fire in Huntington on Friday, May 24. (Photo courtesy of Audryonna Langley)

UPDATE: Arson arrest made

HUNTINGTON – A fire early Friday morning destroyed a block of commercial buildings in downtown Huntington, and social media reports indicate no one was injured.

Businesses in the buildings included Howells Cafe, Streamliner Lounge and Grady’s Tavern. The cafe was in the Oregon Commercial Co. building, a two-story brick structure built in 1890.

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Raynmon H. Garcia, 21, of Huntington, was arrested for first-degree arson in connection with the fire.

Raynmon H. Garcia, 21, charged with first-degree arson. (Baker County Sheriff’s Office photo)

The agency said in a news release Friday morning that Chad Mills, a Baker County sheriff’s deputy, and Tim Schuette, an Oregon State Police trooper, responded to a call at about 10:45 p.m. Thursday regarding a disturbance in Huntington.

“The victim of the disturbance told them that the suspect had made statements to her that he was going to burn the bar down,” the release said. The police contacted Garcia after he left the home where the disturbance occurred and “determined that no crime was committed.”

About an hour later, the release said, the deputy saw a “large amount of smoke coming from the area of Grady’s Tavern.”

Firefighters responding came from Huntington, Weiser, Fruitland, North Powder, Haines and Baker rural fire, the release said.

Huntington is about 30 miles north of Ontario, situated on U.S. Highway 30. The town has seen a revival with the establishment of marijuana retailers who were drawing hundreds of visitors.

The Oregon Department of Transportation shut down U.S. Highway 30 through town as the fire investigation and recovery operations got underway. Motorists are urged to make alternate plans if traveling through the area.

This is a developing story so watch the Malheur Enterprise for updates.

Firefighters direct water into the raging fire that broke out overnight in Huntington. (Photo courtesy of Robert L. Wiley)

Fire crews work on controlling a commercial fire in Huntington on Friday, May 24. (Photos courtesy of Audryonna Langley)

Fire crews work on controlling a commercial fire in Huntington on Friday, May 24. (Photos courtesy of Audryonna Langley)

Fire crews work on controlling a commercial fire in Huntington on Friday, May 24. (Photos courtesy of Audryonna Langley)

The aftermath of a commercial fire in Huntington on Friday, May 24. (Photos courtesy of Audryonna Langley)

Smoke billows from behind the building facades as fire crews aim water hoses to try to halt the spread. (Photos courtesy of Robert L. Wiley)

Townspeople gathered to watch as fire volunteers drag hoses into place. (Photos courtesy of Robert L. Wiley)

The brick front is al the remains of the building that housed Howell’s Cafe in Huntington. (Photo courtesy of Robert L. Wiley)

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