Fire damages storage building, materials, at Isak Hansen Hardware

A page went out for local fire departments just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, to respond to a structure fire at Isak Hansen True Value in Lutsen.

The caller said a large cold-storage building, behind the main hardware store, was on fire. The fire was discovered by hardware store worker Bill Bockovich, who reported that there were flames in the interior of the structure, among the construction materials.

Bockovich and another employee, Don Hammer, called for help and tried unsuccessfully to put the fire out with extinguishers. 
The first firefighter was on scene by 8:07 a.m. The Lutsen and Tofte Fire departments assessed the fire and cancelled the mutual aid call for the Grand Marais Fire Department.

By 8:39 a.m., the fire was out and the Tofte Fire Department was released from the scene. Lutsen Fire remained behind to ensure the fire was completely out.

Storeowner Tom Dwyer said the structure suffered significant damage; the roof and trusses are charred. Also destroyed in the blaze were building materials such as dry wall, insulation, roofing paper, and siding.

Dwyer said he does not yet have a value on the loss, but said it would be substantial. However, Dwyer added, “The fire department did a great job. We’re just grateful no one got hurt.”  

The State Fire Marshal inspected the scene and said the cause at this time is undetermined.