ST. CLOUD, Minn. — A piece of St. Cloud history is reduced to rubble, and now investigators are laser focused on what caused the fire that destroyed the Press Bar.
Mayor Dave Kleist, Fire Chief Dean Wrobbel and Fire Marshal Mike Post met with reporters Tuesday, a day after the fire that all but shut down downtown St. Cloud, and destroyed a watering hole that had stood for nearly 100 years.
"It's probably one of the scariest fires I've ever seen, because when you have a concealed space fire and you're trying to track it down, it has a head start and all of a sudden blows out the ceilings and walls and doorways, it's a very hard time as a chief," Chief Wrobble shared. "Our firefighters are very brave and did a great job."
Fire Marshal Post confirmed that investigators believe the fire started in the basement of the building, and said the fact that the Press has been remodeled many times over the years created many concealed spaces and pockets for the flames to jump and spread. Chief Wrobble said his fire crews were inside the building for 45 minutes, could hear the fire burning but couldn't see it. There was so much smoke that visibility was almost zero, and by the time flames were visible the fire was burning out of control, and firefighters had to exit the building.
By then, fire officials say, it was clear the Press Bar could not be saved. Crews turned their attention to making sure that Cowboy Jacks and the Red Carpet, businesses on either side of the Press, did not burn as well. Fire Marshal Post says Cowboy Jacks was the first concern as it shares a wall and joists with the Press building. Fortunately, firefighters were able to save both establishments, although both Cowboy Jacks and the Red Carpet suffered minor smoke and water damage.
Post told reporters that as the gutted Press building was demolished, rubble and charred items were removed from the basement, where investigators believe the fire started. Analysis is already being done on that material, and Post suspects the investigation into exactly what caused the fire will take anywhere from one day to two weeks.
In the meantime, power that was cut to parts of downtown has been restored, and streets that were closed will soon be open to traffic.
"Our first goal now is to have the city back into service" as soon as possible, Post shared.
Chief Wrobble wanted to make sure his firefighters, and those from Sauk Rapids and Sartell who helped in the battle, receive credit for their actions. He also thanked local businesses and citizens who showed up with food, treats and beverages for crews that were tired and hungry.