Cause of fire that heavily damaged Forest Lake gun shop unknown

Investigators spent the day Tuesday trying to determine what sparked a fire that heavily damaged a gun shop and shooting range in Forest Lake.

"The fire does not appear to be suspicious," said Forest Lake Fire Chief Alan Newman.

Newman said the Lakes Trading Company, which has a 10-lane indoor range and offers firearm education classes, was a "total loss."

The blaze the broke out about 8:40 p.m. Monday night.

The range roof collapsed, but the shop roof appeared to remain intact, owner Ben Oliver said in a Facebook posting. Staff and customers in the building at 95 8th Avenue SW. got out safely, he said. A neighboring music store sustained smoke damage.

Firefighters from several departments battled the fire for hours as flames danced into the sky.

Crews cleared the scene about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Newman said. Officials with the State Fire Marshal's Office were on the scene Tuesday morning, he said.

Gun instructor Birdie Zerwas said it was a "sad and difficult night" but there are things to be thankful for.

"We're grateful for our Lakes Trading family/employees that are there for each other in tough times like this," Zerwas wrote early Tuesday morning.

"We're grateful for the fire and police departments for doing such a wonderful job. We are grateful to all of you in our community for being so kind with your words and support as well as offering to volunteer to help us as we take this day by day."

Approximately 75 firefighters from Forest Lake, Wyoming, Hugo, White Bear Lake and Lino Lakes were on the scene and used an estimated 350,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.

One firefighter from Hugo suffered a minor ankle injury, said Captain Greg Weiss of the Forest Lake Police Department.

The range will remain closed until further notice, Oliver said.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768