Cook County Law Enforcement received a 911 emergency call from Cascade Resort in Lutsen at 7:39 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2009 reporting a chimney fire. The Lutsen Fire Department, First Responders, and Cook County Ambulance responded, but by the time the emergency responders arrived at 7:53 p.m., the fire had burned itself out.
Lutsen Fire Chief Paul Goettl said there was no damage, just soot around the fireplace. However Goettl said the fireplace was “red-tagged” which means it is not to be operated until it is cleaned and inspected. “A huge fire in a chimney could crack something, making it more susceptible to another fire,” he explained.
Michael O’Phelan, owner of Cascade Lodge, said he believes the massive stones of the fireplace saved the lodge. “I think the stones prevented the spread of the fire. When the fire was out they were not even warm to touch.”
The lodge immediately had the chimney cleaned. O’Phelan said he believes there was a miscommunication with the person who had been cleaning the lodge chimneys. “We think he only cleaned our main fireplace. When it was cleaned, it was the dirtiest chimney I’ve ever seen,” said O’Phelan.
“It’s a good reminder for everyone to get their chimneys cleaned,” said Goettl.
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