Fort Providence (July 21/06) -Volunteer firefighters in Fort Providence battled a blaze at the Snowshoe Inn maintenance garage on July 15.

The fire broke out above the generator shack which was located at the connection point of the two metal sheds that formed the garage, said Fire Chief Andy Sapp.

Fire damaged the Snowshoe Inn maintenance garage on July 15. It took about 90 minutes for the Fort Providence volunteer firefighters to put out the blaze. - photo courtesy of Christopher Carson

Four fire personnel responded after people reported seeing flames coming from the roof of the building. When fire crews arrived at 8 p.m. the fire was well involved, said Sapp.

The fire moved into the structure between the drywall and the tin roof so a forklift was used to tear the metal back so water could be applied to the flames.

After 90 minutes the fire was out. Firefighters stayed for another 2.5 hours to ensure the scene was safe, said Sapp.

While fighting the blaze the volunteers also battled the heat with temperatures of around 25C made even hotter by their heavy gear.

"The heat was killing us," he said.

Because the fire was on the second floor all the hoses and equipment had to be carried up a ladder to reach the scene.

The performance of the volunteers was "top notch" said Sapp. Responders included Malcom Tosh, Paul Wilson and Kelvin McLeod. Melissa Wood and Noel Bonnetrouge who were formerly part of the team also helped fight the fire.

Many other community members also assisted, said Sapp.

A spokesperson for the Philipp family, which owns the Snowshoe Inn, said the business was expected to be re-open July 19.

Because the business generates its own power it has been without electricity since the fire.

The incident closed the Snowshoe Inn, the cafe, the licensed lounge, the Aurora market and the leased offices in the Snowshoe Centre.