‘The building was completely charged with black smoke’: Fire chief describes golf resort fire

“The building was completely charged with black smoke right from floor to ceiling,” he said.

Soon after the first engine arrived, Arnold handed over command to his deputy chief and along with two other firefighters entered the building. He noted his reason for doing so was to protect the younger members of the crew.

“I wanted to make sure my guys were safe going in; it was their first time doing an interior attack on a structure of that size,” he noted.

Making their way to the basement, where it’s believed the fire originated, Arnold said they began fire suppresion efforts, which involved deployment of what he referred to as a throwable device.

“It took the high heat temperature from probably in around the 800 degree mark, down to about 200 degrees inside in the basement,” he said.

By this time though the fire had already reached the upper levels of the structure, both the upper floors and the attic.

The large structure is essentially divided into two sides and Arnold notes had they not taken down the skywalk that connects the restaurant to the banquet area, the whole structure could have been a total loss.

Soon after Arnold explained they switched into defensive mode.

“The fire was over our heads and we had no way to get at it because it was a metal roof and had cedar on the underside of the rafters and joists,” he explained.

The cause of Monday’s fire remains under investigation and the owners have already indicated plans to re-build.

In total, Arnold said they 31 firefighters on site from Candle Lake, Prince Albert, Garden River and the SPSA. He also thanked members of the local community who brought food and water for the firefighters.

On Tuesday, a further statement was released by the resort village administration and confirmed the building that housed the restaurant, lounge, liquor store and offices are a total loss. They also stated that while approximately 60 per cent of the building was saved it is unclear how much of this space can be salvaged. The total value of the damage is not known at this time.

“The loss of this very important and beautiful resort that provided so much joy to so many people not only in our community, but from across the province, is devastating,” said Mayor Colleen Lavoie. “The entire Resort Village is feeling for the owners, the employees, and everyone affected by this loss, and our community is here to support them in their efforts to rebuild, however that looks for them.”

Another statement on the resort village’s social media page, thanked the Candle Lake Fire Department and the neighboring departments for their quick response and successful efforts in containing the fire to the main part of the building.

“We also want to thank the village, our wonderful staff and the entire community of Candle Lake. Many people were out in the night to see if they could help, and many more over the course of yesterday, offering support, hugs, food and well wishes. The many comments received online were heartwarming as well. Many thanks to all. This truly is a community, and we are so proud to be a part of it.”

Despite the tragedy, the golf course remains open for play and members of the public are invited to visit the resort and support the community.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

‘The building was completely charged with black smoke’: Fire chief describes golf resort fire

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