Major Fire at Wolf Lodge Steakhouse Calls for Multi-Agency Response
A significant fire broke out at the Wolf Lodge restaurant, prompting a rapid and expansive response from multiple fire departments and law enforcement agencies. The initial 911 call came in reporting potential structure fires, identified as both a chimney fire and an attic fire.
What Happened:
Chronology of Events:
- Location: Wolf Lodge restaurant on Frontage Road, approximately eight to nine miles east of Coeur d’Alene along Interstate 90.
- Initial Reports: The first arriving unit reached the scene within 10 minutes after the 911 call and confirmed heavy fire both in the attic and at the rear of the structure.
- Response: A second alarm was immediately called due to the confirmed working fire and the absence of hydrants in the area, necessitating additional water tenders.
- Firefighting Efforts: Initial offensive firefighting and search efforts were conducted inside the structure but had to be aborted as the fire quickly overtook the building. Transitioning to a defensive operation, firefighters faced significant challenges due to limited water supply, which required shuttling water from a lake five miles away using local boat launches.
- Support Units: Assistance came from 11 fire departments, alongside water tenders and manpower from additional alarm calls. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s office and Idaho State Police also joined the efforts.
- Resources Called: With the fire continuing to spread, a fourth alarm was called, focusing on bringing in more manpower to rotate crews amid the hot conditions.
- Unknown Cause: The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the fire continuing to receive attention to cool hot spots before an investigation can formally begin.
- Wildland Concerns: The structure’s location in a Wildland Urban Interface area posed additional risks, causing a secondary wildfire due to embers from the building fire. However, the Idaho Department of Lands quickly contained and extinguished this threat.
Injuries and Damage:
- Civilian Injuries: One civilian sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital by ambulance.
- Firefighter Injuries: Three firefighters suffered minor burns but were not transported by ambulance.
Current Status and Future Actions
- Ongoing Efforts: Firefighters are actively working on cooling hotspots and maintaining containment. With no immediate risks of spreading, crews are expected to remain on scene for an extended period to complete the mopping-up process.
- Investigation: An official investigation to determine the fire’s cause will commence once the area is secured and adequately cooled.
Statement from Authorities:
- Containment Confidence: Authorities expressed confidence in their containment measures, despite the challenging conditions and logistical hurdles.
- Additional Updates: Further information will be provided as the investigation unfolds and as fire crews manage the remaining operations on site.
