A two-alarm fire Saturday morning destroyed the Albany Burger King franchise on Geary Street Southeast.

According to Albany Fire Department public information officer Sandy Roberts, an employee reported the fire around 8:40 a.m. Five employees and two customers were in the building at 1435 Geary St. S.E. at the time, and all escaped safely. One employee suffered a small burn on his arm and was treated at the scene.

The Albany Police Department blocked off portions of 14th Avenue and Geary Street through the afternoon as emergency crews and officials worked the fire scene. Police officers assisted residents at nearby apartment complexes who needed access to the streets.

No other structures in the area were threatened, although fire personnel remained in contact with surrounding businesses, which remained open during the incident.

Employees and bystanders gathered at the scene, watching through heavy smoke, as firefighters and two snorkel trucks battled the blaze. Some were hugging and crying. An employee's car was towed from behind the building to safety.

Albany resident and Burger King regular Kelly Darcey was not in the restaurant at the time, but she had been shopping at a nearby store when she noticed the blaze.

"It's just so sad," she said. "It's been here for so long, and they had just finished remodeling. It's terrible to watch it go. The employees were nice, and it was fast, easy and convenient. It's a tragedy."

The fire's cause remains under investigation.

Members of the Albany Fire Department, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Fire District, Tangent Rural Fire District, Corvallis Fire Department, Adair Rural Fire & Rescue, and Turner Fire District assisted. Two ladder trucks and five engines were part of the effort. Approximately 35 fire personnel responded. Albany Fire also brought in an excavator to help clear debris from the fire.

A pool of water spread from the parking lot into part of 14th Avenue and crews had to pump water out into 14th Avenue drains.

The Geary Street restaurant is one of two Burger Kings in Albany. The second is at 3060 Pacific Blvd. S.E.

As of noon, crews were still at the location. A pool of water several feet deep had grown from the parking lot into part of 14th Avenue. Fire crews are pumping water out into 14th Avenue drains. Portions of 14th Avenue and Geary Street remain closed in both directions.

More information will be posted when available.