Fire at Epworth Gun Club

On Friday, July 22nd at 0752 am a Dubuque County Sheriffs Deputy on patrol noticed smoke coming from the Epworth Gun Club, located at 12487 Gun Club Road, North of Epworth. Epworth Fire was paged out and upon confirmation of the working structure fire, called for tankers from the Farley and Centralia-Peosta Fire Departments. Upon arrival of the fire department, moderate smoke conditions were showing from the eaves of the building as well as fire showing near the entrance to the building under the canopy. The fire was knocked down with initial attack after gaining entrance to the structure. Fire extended to the attic area and access was gained by cutting holes in the walls above the canopy as well as from the interior. Firefighters remained on scene for three hours watching for hot spots. No one was injured and the building was insured. The fire has been ruled accidental and was most likely caused by a lightning strike that ruptured an LP gas line connecting to the stove. Damage is estimated at $35,000.00. Assisting at the scene were the Dubuque County Sheriffs Office, Epworth Police Department, Centralia-Peosta Fire and Farley Fire Departments.