Major Fire Reported at Powderhorn Ski Resort

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, January 13, 2011 - The Superior Chronicle has just alerted that the main lodge at Powderhorn Mountain in engulfed in flames. Firefighters from throughout the area have been called to the scene. Ambulances and wreckers have also been paged. According to the information provided to us at this time, there was a build-up of natural gas in the main lodge and holes have been cut in the roof of the building to vent out fumes. Xcel Energy has been called to the scene to cut the gas supply.

A witness on the scene told the Chronicle that a loud explosion caused a neighbor to call 911. Traffic control, icy conditions and a shortage of water, in addition to the gas leak and the intense flames, seem to be issues emergency personnel are tryinig to deal with.  More information will be provided as it becomes available. The Caribou Lodge is open to emergency personnel so they can warm up.

At approximately 12:51 PM pumper trucks from Oma and Saxon arrived on the scene to provide water. I hydrant along Pine Lane was also activated. The Jaws of Life were needed to separate a door to get better access to the flames.

At the current time, no casualties have been reported.

At approximately 1:00 PM it was reported that the roof on the east of the building collapsed, and a calls were made to bring in the Fire Marshall and Investigative Services.

Victim services was called to the scene to provide drinking water for the fire fighters. The Red Cross was also alerted and they were enroute to the scene at 1:19 AM with drinking water and hot food. More information will be posted as it becomes available.