JOSEPH FIREFIGHTERS HELP EXTINGUISH SERIOUS LOSTINE FIRE

Photo courtesy Emily Jones

Joseph Fire and Rescue assisted at a major fire in Lostine that reportedly destroyed the legendary South Fork Grange Hall and the Norton Welding shop, owned by Mayor Krag Norton, Saturday, Feb. 8.

Joseph firefighters responded with two water tenders shortly before noon, driving on the slick icy highway. Fire departments from Enterprise and Wallowa also responded to assist the Lostine Fire Department.

Paul Karvoski, Enterprise fire chief and Wallowa County emergency services manager, assumed command at the fire scene.

The affected occupancies were in aged buildings not required to have sprinklers. Many buildings in the county face the same risk. Nearby structures, including the iconic Lostine Tavern, undergoing a major renovation, were saved.

There's more, including photos, here.