Thanks to a CHS reader for the picture from the scene

The response on E Pike stretched into the night after the building was temporarily evacuated by Seattle Fire when a “suspicious item” was found. It was later determined to not be a danger and the effort to put the fire fully out continued (Image: Matt Mitgang)

A fire damaged the Capitol Hill building neighboring the Unicorn bar and home to the Post Options business and post office box center Wednesday night.

Seattle Fire reported a “suspicious device” was found at the scene according to emergency radio updates but no further details were immediately available. SFD cleared the area after the item was found but later re-entered the building to complete the response after it was determined the device was not a danger.

SFD was first called to the corner of 12th and Pike just before 8:30 PM to reports of smoke and fire in the two-story business building.

Crews reported the fire under control about 30 minutes later when the device was reported. SFD was able to determine that the item was not a danger and reentered the building to finish the response to the fire.

There were no reported injuries.

The Post Options serves many Capitol HIll and area businesses in need of business services and post office box addresses.

The Unicorn was cleared of patrons during and streets in the area were blocked to traffic during the response.

UPDATE 7/31/2025: Damage inside Post Options is extensive and the business is currently “temporarily closed.” Meanwhile, the Unicorn has not provided any updates on its status. The impact to its building appears to have been limited to water damage. We’re checking in with the shop and the bar to learn more.

UPDATE x2: Post Options’ Veti Comesongsri says they are still sorting out the damage but will be available to help customers.

“We were not be able to assess the extent of the damage last night,” Comesongsri said. “From] what I saw last night we will not be able to open for a while. However, we will be there to assist mail box customers to get their mail.”

UPDATE x3: SFD has provided additional detail about the suspicious item incident. “After crews extinguished the fire, they were overhauling the scene to remove burned debris from the fire room. They found what appeared to be a device and reported it over the radio,” a department spokesperson said. “As a safety precaution, firefighters evacuated the building. The device was later determined to not be dangerous. It was likely electrical wiring for a light display that was damaged in the fire.”

SFD says the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The incident comes amid an outburst of intentionally set fires in the city but the commercial building in the middle of the busy Pike/Pine nightlife district is much different than the targets in the arson string which seems to have been focused on empty residential structures.

SFD has not publicly said whether this July 24th fire in the Central District was found to have been intentionally set.

UPDATE x4: The Unicorn says it will be closed through at least the weekend as it “assess the damage throughout the bar and start working on repairs.”

The circus-themed staple of Pike/Pine nightlife sustained water damage during the response but expressed gratitude to firefighters for their work to keep the building safe.

The bar also expressed support for its business neighbor. “If you have the means, please consider sending any financial support their way — Post Options is a vital part of our Capitol Hill family,” the Unicorn’s post reads.

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support.

Unicorn will remain closed through the weekend as we assess the damage throughout the bar and start working on repairs.

While we are so thankful that no one was injured – we want to extend our deepest condolences to our incredible neighbors at Post Options. We’re hoping for a swift recovery and turnaround for them.

If you have the means, please consider sending any financial support their way — Post Options is a vital part of our Capitol Hill family.

Also, huge thank you to the Seattle Fire Department for their swift actions, incredibly kind and comforting words, and their above and beyond help to get the building safe and secured. We can’t thank you enough!
Xoxo,
Unicorn

UPDATE x5: Local businesses are rallying around a fundraiser to support Post Options:

Post Options provides critical services to countless individuals and businesses in the area, including PO boxes, passport photos, printing, copying, mailing, and more. They are known for supporting everyone—from small businesses to grassroots community efforts—with unwavering generosity.

You can give here.

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