On one of the busiest nights of the summer, one of Crosslake's popular entertainment venues was destroyed by fire.
A passerby called 911 at 3:06 a.m. Saturday to report a fire at the Exchange in Crosslake. When Crosslake firefighters arrived flames were shooting out of the roof, said Crosslake Fire Chief Keith Anderson.
While the cause and origin of the fire were not yet determined Saturday morning, Anderson said at least half the building was damaged in the blaze and said it was likely a total loss.
The state fire marshal was at the scene Saturday morning, along with Anderson, conducting an investigation and making sure there were no additional hot spots.
Anderson said no one was in the building at the time of the fire. Firefighters from Ideal, Pequot Lakes, Mission, Fifty Lakes and Nisswa were called for mutual aid. Anderson said the fire was mostly contained within a half-hour.
Crosslake has had its share of fires at its well-known nightclubs throughout the years, including the Exchange, which was formerly known as The Log Jam. The Log Jam burned down on Aug. 1, 1971. In addition, Moonlite Bay was destroyed by fire on May 30, 1984, and Manhattan Beach Club burned down later that year on Oct. 8.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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