Photo via Dan Thiessen
Indications are that everyone made it out safely, after a Sunday morning blaze heavily damaged the Quaaout Lodge and Spa resort on Little Shuswap Lake.
“At approximately 8:38 a.m. this morning, Chase RCMP officers were called to assist the fire department with a possible structure fire at a building in the 1600-block of Shuswap Road, in Lee Creek,” said Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet with the BC RCMP.
“Apparently there was a smoke alarm that alerted the fire department. Occupants had been evacuated at the time of the call to police.”
The extent of the damage to the building have not been revealed. However, images suggest a good portion of the Lodge may have been completely destroyed.
Photos and videos from the scene at the time showed a massive plume of smoke which could be seen as far away as Chase on the other side of the lake.
It is not clear what caused the fire, or whether other structures on the property, including the Talking Rock Golf Course pro shop, were damaged.
“Thank you to everyone for the outpour of support and help today with the fire. A special thank you to the first responders, and staff on site. We are very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing community,” a statement from the Quaaout Lodge said.
“Our Lodge and Golf Course will be closed until further notice, and we will be providing more updates through our social media in the coming days.”
Described on its website as “the pride of the Little Shuswap Band”, the Quaaout Lodge is popular with travelers looking for weekend getaways, as well as weddings, meetings, and conferences.
“Our hearts go out to our friends at Quaaout Lodge and Talking Rock Golf and the Little Shuswap Indian Band for the devastating fire this morning,” the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce said, in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with you all.”
NL News has reached out to the local fire department, as well as the leadership of the Little Shuswap Indian Band, for more information.
Photo via Lorn McCausland
Fire at the Quaaout Lodge… where I am staying.
Posted by Dan Thiessen on Sunday, May 22, 2022
Brutal day at @Quaaoutlodge near Chase. Fire looks to be claiming the main resort building. Home of @Talkingrockgolf
🎥 Lorn McCausland #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/c2EQTfVnw1— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) May 22, 2022
Meanwhile, further tributes to the Quaaout Lodge have begun rolling in online.
Grand Chief Stewart upon hearing about the Quuout Lodge catching fire:
“I loved the Quaaout lodge! Great food! Indigenous menu! Many good memories. Totally sad day! Our hearts go out to the Adam's Lake and the Secwepemc People”— UBCIC (@UBCIC) May 22, 2022
This brings tears to my eyes. Quaaout Lodge is such a beautiful place with amazing staff. I was there a few weeks ago.
I hope everyone is safe. https://t.co/ykD08Qc18S
— Frank Caputo MP (@FrankCaputoKTC) May 22, 2022
