AFTON, Okla. — Multiple agencies battled a fire at Arrowhead Yacht Club's restaurant on Jan. 27.
Delaware County Sheriff James Beck told with 2 News the call came in around 4:52 p.m. The fire started outside of the restaurant and quickly spread.
Beck said multiple agencies banded together to fight the fire. No one was was inside when it started.
Monkey Island Fire Chief Carl Tesreau told 2 News the State Fire Marshall's Office took over the investigation and it will likely be a week before they have an answer on the official cause of the fire.
The building was built more than six decades ago when buildings had a different code, meaning it didn't have a sprinkler system. The studs in the walls were old and dried out, and the electrical system was also an issue.
Adding to the uniqueness of the situation, the building also sat on the water.
However, Monkey Island Fire Department is prepared to fight a fire on the water. They use a a fire boat that pulls 1,200 gallons of water per minute straight from the lake.
"It really gives us an advantage. Um, our fire boat is capable of flowing twelve-hundred and fifty gallons a minute. It sucks right straight out of the lake so we’ve got an endless water source, better than – that’s the best hydrant that there is, you know," Tesreau said.
2 News got a copy of this statement from Arrowhead Yacht Club owner Joe Harwood.
"We are completely devastated. First and foremost, no one was on the property at AYC when the fire started. We are so thankful that no one was injured. Arrowhead Yacht Club caught fire late this afternoon and unfortunately, it is a complete loss. All of the boats in the marina are fine, the only thing affected was the restaurant. However, we are fortunate that we have Cherokee in operation and will continue to remain open to serve our members. At this time, we are unaware of the cause of the fire. Please do not come to the property, so we can allow the investigation to take place. We appreciate all of your thoughts, concerns, and prayers during this time."
Arrowhead Yacht Club is the longest-running yacht club in the state, operating for more than six decades.
On Jan. 18, a fire destroyed three boats at the same club.
Gary Heitgrass didn't see the flames until his friend called asking what was going on, so he walked out to his back deck and saw the blaze firsthand.
He says the restaurant, which burned, is known for a place to grab a refreshing drink or snack before going on the lake.
It required fire crews from all surrounding communities, including fire boats. Heitgrass says it took them over three hours to put it out.
"The flames were probably 40 to 50 feet in the air," Heitgrass said. "It was dark, before the flames went out. It was smoking, and still smoking the next day."
Heitgrass says he believes it's an unfortunate coincidence.
"It's going to have an impact on everything until they rebuild and I'm sure they'll rebuild it bigger and better than before," he said
The Cherokee Yacht Club and Marina - in Afton - is owned by the same people, and that location is still open.
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