It was probably a covering on an exterior bench ignited from a nearby gas fireplace that caused the late-night fire Monday which decimated the Rusty Parrot Lodge in downtown Jackson. That was the initial finding by Teton County Fire Marshal Kathy Clay who began her investigation almost immediately after the last of the flames were extinguished.
Clay says she will make her final conclusion by Friday. The fire was reported by a hotel employee about 11:30 pm, and firefighters made a fast-attack on the fire at the exterior deck which had moved interior and spread into the attic quickly.
One firefighter received a minor injury, and was treated and released from St. John’s Medical Center. All of the property’s guests were safely evacuated during the early stages of the fire.
Firefighters and equipment from five valley fire stations responded to the blaze. Clay termed the damage to the lodge “significant,” and fire officials say the building is likely a total loss. Branden Harrison whose family owns and operates the lodge told Jackson Hole Radio that his family will rebuild.
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