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FIFE, Wash. - A small army of firefighters battled a morning blaze that destroyed a tavern.

KING

The popular Firwood Tavern in Fife, Washington was destroyed by fire. May 16, 2008.

The fire broke out at around 5 a.m. at the Firwood Tavern at 8014 Valley Avenue East. The Firwood was a popular nightspot known for music and dancing.

According to the Fife police, the fire was reported by an officer on patrol who noticed smoke.

When firefighters arrived on the scene they found the structure was fully involved in flames. Smoke and flames could be seen from the KING5 tower camera miles away.

Within minutes a call for mutual aid was sent out.  Fire crews and equipment, including tender trucks, from Central Pierce and Riverside responded. Due to a lack of nearby fire hydrants, water had to be shuttled in.

Firefighters went on a defensive mode, keeping the flames from spreading.

The roof and walls have collapsed, leaving only embers and twisted metal.

Smoke and flames can be seen in the distance coming from a tavern fire in this video still from the KING5 News Tacoma tower camera. The camera is miles away from the scene of the fire.

In all 34 firefighters were on the scene, with five engine companies, two ladder companies, two command vehicles and two medic units on hand.

There was no one in the building at the time.

There were no injuries reported.

Police say the fire started at the rear of the building.

Police are looking for the cause of the fire with help from the Tacoma Fire Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.