Home 
News Local News Ferocious fire destroys Bronson's
Ferocious fire destroys Bronson's
|
 Flames totally engulf the Bronson Lumber Co. store at 10514 N. McAlister Road in Island City early Sunday. Although the store and its contents were a complete loss, firefighters saved the lumber and outbuildings.Submitted photo Jim Voelz, spokesman for the La Grande Rural Fire District, said the store and its contents were a total loss, though firefighters managed to save the lumber and outbuildings in back of the store. There were no injuries. Voelz added that two state deputy fire marshals and an Oregon State Police fire investigator were on scene today trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Voelz said the fire was discovered about 2:37 a.m. Sunday by Joe Andersen, an Elgin reserve police officer who was driving home from the Union County Correctional Facility in La Grande. Andersen was driving on Highway 82 when he smelled smoke. He decided to turn around and investigate, Voelz said. He determined the Bronson store was on fire, and called 9-1-1.
 Above: La Grande Rural Fire District firefighters direct water on flames that consumed the Bronson Lumber Co. store at 10514 N. McAlister Road early Sunday morning. Submitted photo Dense smoke was pouring out of the building by the time the first crew arrived at the scene. Firefighters entered the building but were driven back, Voelz said. “Flames were heavy in the center of the building and the firefighters couldn’t contain them,” Voelz said. “The fire appeared to be in the paint area, where there were a lot of volatile fuels. We could hear paint cans exploding.” The fire vented itself through the roof, Voelz said. “It was a lost cause from there,” he said.
 Submitted photo Flames shoot through the front of Bronson Lumber Co.’s Island City store early Sunday morning. Submitted photo “There’s just a tremendous amount of volatile material,” he said. Bronson Lumber has stores also in Enterprise, Union and Baker City. Mace Cadwell is the owner. Craig Beverage, manager of the Union store, said the La Grande outlet is still in business despite the fire.
 Right: Mop up continued through Sunday at the charred building. Some firefighters were still at the site this morning. The Observer/TED KRAMER A big problem, he said, is that the computer for all four locations was destroyed in the fire. “The computer base was in La Grande, so for now, we’re all down,” he said. He said many loyal customers have called since the fire, expressing sympathy and support. “We have had a lot of pleasant calls. People are very sad,” he said. “I hope people continue to support Bronson’s. They certainly need it. This has been devastating.” Sunday’s fire marked the second time disaster hit the La Grande store this year. In the spring, a severe wind storm blew the roof off the building. “It’s like a double whammy,” Beverage said. |
