Kountry Inn Structure Fire

At approximately 0207 hours, with the temperature around zero degrees, the Epworth Fire Department was paged out for a structure fire at the Kountry Inn Bar and Restaurant in downtown Epworth. The fire was reported by a neighboring business employee when she smelled smoke and investigated the origin. Upon arrival of the EFD, command was established and crews were deployed for an interior attack to the second floor. Upon entering the structure they encountered heavy smoke conditions throughout the structure and extreme heat on the second floor. Mutual aid for a ladder truck was immediately requested and provided by the Dubuque Fire Department Ladder 512. The Farley Fire Department was also called to respond with members to supplement the attack crews and provide an additional engine. Farley Fire also responded with the Dubuque County Fire Association Mobile Air Trailer to refill SCBA Tanks. Crews made interior attacks on both the 2nd floor and 1st floor and the fire was determined to be in the walls and voids between the first and second floors. The building is believed to be constructed in 1915 and has undergone many renovations in the past 93 years. After 40 minutes, interior crews were pulled out of the building and continued attacking the fire from doorways and windows on ladders due to the instability of the building. After one hour and fifteen minutes of aggressive attacks, command staff decided to go completely defensive and deploy deck guns and the ladder pipe to try to save the adjoining additions to the main bulding as well as exposures on each side of the fire building. The fire was deemed under control around 0545 hours. Silkers Store and Average Joes provided hot refreshments, water and rehab areas for the firefighters to warm up as well as areas for equipment to thaw out. Maahs Service and Epworth Family Chiropractic also offered areas for rehab and warming equipment due to the freezing temperatures and wind chills. One firefighter was treated for a minor back strain. The main building was a total loss. Firefighters remained on the scene for over 12 hours and were also assisted at the scene by the Epworth Public Works and Water Department, Epworth Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriffs Office, Alliant Energy and Black Hills Energy. The cause if the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's office and the Dubuque County Sheriffs Department.