The 1,000 Peaks Lodge blaze was captured early on Wednesday morning in this photo snapped by Phil Marshall of the Earl Grey Lodge at Panorama.
By Dan Walton
Pioneer Staff
Panoramas 1000 Peaks Lodge suffered major damage after a fifth-floor fire burned through the top of the building.
The Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service became aware of the blaze shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27th. They responded with emergency workers from Panorama, Windermere and Invermere.
The fire originated on the top (fifth) floor in one unit, which spread through the roof and virtually burnt through the whole top floor, Windermere Fire Department Chief Jim Miller told The Pioneer. That portion is destroyed.
Between 10 and 12 units have been lost to the fire, as estimated by Miller. Fortunately, registered guests were fully accounted for and no injuries were reported.
Although a thorough investigation has yet to be conducted, Miller says the cause of the flames didnt seem suspicious during the initial sweep.
However, considerable water damage occurred from the fifth floor down to the basement, he said.
The fifth-floor fire could have caused greater damage had it not been for proper equipment.
Big huge building, very tall. We had Panoramas ladder truck there which was a godsend, Miller said. Without that particular piece of equipment, it would have been virtually impossible to maintain as well as we did.
The fire remained active with flames until about 6 a.m., Miller said, and crews remained on scene past press deadline.
Guests who were staying in the 1000 Peaks Lodge during the fire were quickly evacuated to the Great Hall.
