Forest Lake Gun Range, Store A Total Loss After Fire
FOREST LAKE, Minn. (WCCO) — Forest Lake Fire Chief Alan Newman told WCCO Lakes Trading Company is a total loss after a fire destroyed the building Monday night.
The flames broke out just before 9 p.m. and it took fire crews until 11:30 p.m. to get the blaze under control. Patrons and staff members were all able to make it out of the business safely. One firefighter did report minor injuries.
On Tuesday morning, investigators used a drone to survey what was left of the gun range and shop. The fire caused more than $1 million in damage, according to Newman.
Newman says the fire does not appear to be suspicious at all.
Members of the community stopped by to help salvage the merchandise that was able to be recovered.
"Unfortunately, when a fire breaks out anywhere, it's going to ruin stuff and hopefully you can salvage what you can," said Robert Briggs.
A post on the company's Facebook page claims the roof over the shooting range collapsed in the fire.
They also posted the picture below, thanking the volunteers who are helping clean up and the people who have dropped off food to help feed them.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Drone footage was also taken of the incident, by witness Jeremy Leohr.