LAKE GEORGE, IN (WTVB) – A popular and well-known restaurant and bar just south of Branch County was destroyed in a Friday morning fire as the Lake George Retreat on Old U.S. 27 went up in flames.
According to the Lake George Retreat web site, there was another fire on the property in 1969 that did considerable damage and forced the restaurant to close for five years.
Firefighters from nearly a dozen Michigan and Indiana departments were at the scene in ten degree weather after the fire was reported at 6:43 a.m.
The Lakeland, Bronson and Quincy Fire Departments from Branch County were among those called in.
Flames were visible in the structure and smoke from the fire could be seen several miles away.
The fire had still not been called under control as of early afternoon.
There are no nearby hydrants so water had to be hauled in by tankers.
Fire crews also had to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures and cottages.
No injuries have been reported. It’s not known what started the blaze.
