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The late-night fire that destroyed Lassen Lodge was the latest in a series of fires that have destroyed popular businesses and hotels along Minnesota’s North Shore. At least three fires have destroyed restaurants and five stores in Grand Marais and Lutzen since 2020. One investigation concluded the first incident was a coincidence, but investigations into the other two cases are continuing and the cause has not been made public.
Here’s a summary of each fire and what we know.
Crooked Spoon Café and nearby stores, April 2020
According to a report from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, a fire broke out behind the Crooked Spoon Cafe at 17 Wisconsin Street in Grand Marais on April 13, 2020. Strong winds caused the fire to spread to nearby gift shops Picnic & Pine and White Pine North, completely engulfing the downtown building. No injuries were reported. The fire was later determined to be accidental, but no cause was discovered.
His report said the investigation was limited because a backhoe began demolishing the burned-out building when investigators arrived on the scene. Investigators wrote that Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence said he had no choice but to begin demolishing the building for fear the fire would spread to other buildings. The report says the cause of the fire is “unknown.”
Instead of rebuilding the restaurant, the owners opened a food truck in the winter of 2020-21 to continue business. It remains open, with the truck offering pop-up dinners and posting regularly on Facebook to let people know where it is offering delivery or pickup orders.
Sydney Frozen Custard and Wood-Oven Pizza, April 2023
The popular seasonal custard shop in Grand Marais caught fire on April 10, nearly three years after the Crooked Spoon fire. Fire at 14 Broadway Avenue. S destroyed the building.
A Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson said the investigation is still ongoing. Contractor Bruce Block, who runs Sydney’s Frozen Custard and Wood Fired Pizza, said at the time that a squirrel had gotten into the wiring from a chewed-up chocolate jar that Block had seen before the fire. He said he suspected that this was the cause. Sidney reopened near the intersection of West 1st Avenue and Wisconsin Street.
Papa Charlie’s Tavern, June 2023
Lassen Mountains lost its longtime restaurant and live music venue, Papa Charlie’s Tavern, to a fire on June 24, 2023. Lassen Mountains general manager Jim Vick said investigators have informed him that a definitive cause of the fire cannot be determined.
Mr Vick said there was no evidence to suggest the recent spate of fires on the North Shore was anything other than bad luck.
“There’s no question that there’s something malicious behind them,” Vick said. “These are unfortunate coincidences and circumstances, each one of which is devastating to the community.”
Construction on the new Papa Charlie’s could begin in the summer and open next winter, he added. It’s located in the same location as the previous pub.
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