July 04--A fast-moving fire after a reported explosion destroyed a building and injured two people at the Lake Breeze Motel Resort on the North Shore on Wednesday afternoon.
Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Erik Simonson said one of the people transported to a hospital suffered "very minor injuries." He said Wednesday night that the second victim, an owner of the resort, suffered burns and was sent to the Miller-Dwan building for treatment.
Guests said the building destroyed contained the resort's office, gift shop, sauna and two motel units. Several people reported hearing an explosion before the fire.
Andrew Rice of Champlin, Minn., was in a nearby cabin when he "heard a loud explosion and shattering glass."
The 24-year-old ran toward the sound and found "some glass, Sheetrock and a window blown out" of the building. He ran into the office, where he found co-owner Paula Hughes -- who operates the resort with her husband, Ken -- and her mother-in-law. Hughes said something had exploded in the laundry room.
"I told them to get out of here," Rice said. "Paula got out with the dogs, and Paula's mom got out with the other dogs."
Witnesses said they were the two people sent to the hospital.
Firefighters responded to a call at 1:40 p.m. They remained on the scene until 7 p.m.
According to Rice and other members of his extended family who are staying at the resort at 9000 Congdon Boulevard, also known as Scenic Highway 61, a large amount of fire was visible within five minutes. A dark plume of smoke could be seen for miles at 2 p.m.
Guests gathered on the resort lawn from a safe distance as firefighters battled the fire.
"I just feel like a part of me is going down. This is their livelihood," said Dan Rice of Champlin, speaking of Paula and Ken Hughes. "The love and care and concern they have for the guests, they personalize it. We just love them. You're family when you're here."
The resort was originally built by brothers Clinton and Don Bahn in 1949 and the family ran it for 14 years. Janice Riggs, the daughter of Don Bahn, said the main building that burned Wednesday was an original structure with a few additions put on over the years.
The Hughes bought the property in 2005 from David Eklund. Bob Kirchmaier also is a former owner.
The resort complex sits on 11 acres and has 17 units plus a lounge and the main office. It includes numerous recreation areas and trails and a gift shop. Duluth property records show the total estimated value of the buildings and land is $656,800.
Simonson said the front 50 to 60 percent of the office building was fully engulfed when the first firefighters arrived on the scene, with more flames toward the rear of the building.
According to guests, the two motel units destroyed were rented but not occupied at the time.
"It moved really fast," Simonson said. "Luckily, it was nice and everyone was outside."
Firefighters were working at the resort into the evening. They were hindered somewhat by the fact that only one water line supplies the area. While it had good pressure, Simonson said, it can provide only so many gallons of water per minute.
"It slows us down, but this building was probably going to be a total loss anyway. We succeeded in our objective, which was to save this building," he said, referring to a neighboring building with resort units.
A cause has not been determined yet, he said.
A fast-moving fire afterg a
*eported explosion destroyed a building and injured two people at the Lake Breeze Motel Resort on the North Shore on Wednesday afternoon.
Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Erik Simonson said one of the people transported to a hospital suffered "very minor injuries." He said Wednesday night that the second victim, an owner of the resort, suffered burns and was sent to the Miller-Dwan building for treatment.
Guests said the building destroyed contained the resort's office, gift shop, sauna and two motel units. Several people reported hearing an explosion before the fire.
Andrew Rice of Champlin, Minn., was in a nearby cabin when he "heard a loud explosion and shattering glass."
The 24-year-old ran toward the sound and found "some glass, Sheetrock and a window blown out" of the building. He ran into the office, where he found co-owner Paula Hughes -- who operates the resort with her husband, Ken -- and her mother-in-law. Hughes said something had exploded in the laundry room.
"I told them to get out of here," Rice said. "Paula got out with the dogs, and Paula's mom got out with the other dogs."
Witnesses said they were the two people sent to the hospital.
Firefighters responded to a call at 1:40 p.m. They remained on the scene until 7 p.m.
According to Rice and other members of his extended family who are staying at the resort at 9000 Congdon Boulevard, also known as Scenic Highway 61, a large amount of fire was visible within five minutes. A dark plume of smoke could be seen for miles at 2 p.m.
Guests gathered on the resort lawn from a safe distance as firefighters battled the fire.
"I just feel like a part of me is going down. This is their livelihood," said Dan Rice of Champlin, speaking of Paula and Ken Hughes. "The love and care and concern they have for the guests, they personalize it. We just love them. You're family when you're here."
The resort was originally built by brothers Clinton and Don Bahn in 1949 and the family ran it for 14 years. Janice Riggs, the daughter of Don Bahn, said the main building that burned Wednesday was an original structure with a few additions put on over the years.
The Hughes bought the property in 2005 from David Eklund. Bob Kirchmaier also is a former owner.
The resort complex sits on 11 acres and has 17 units plus a lounge and the main office. It includes numerous recreation areas and trails and a gift shop. Duluth property records show the total estimated value of the buildings and land is $656,800.
Simonson said the front 50 to 60 percent of the office building was fully engulfed when the first firefighters arrived on the scene, with more flames toward the rear of the building.
According to guests, the two motel units destroyed were rented but not occupied at the time.
"It moved really fast," Simonson said. "Luckily, it was nice and everyone was outside."
Firefighters were working at the resort into the evening. They were hindered somewhat by the fact that only one water line supplies the area. While it had good pressure, Simonson said, it can provide only so many gallons of water per minute.
"It slows us down, but this building was probably going to be a total loss anyway. We succeeded in our objective, which was to save this building," he said, referring to a neighboring building with resort units.
A cause has not been determined yet, he said.
News Tribune staff writer Mike Creger contributed to this report.
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