Blaze destroys popular Priest River bar
A fire engulfs Popeye's Bar in Priest River early Friday morning. (Photo by LARRY IVIE)
PRIEST RIVER — A popular bar was destroyed by fire early Friday morning in downtown Priest River. Popeye’s Bar and an adjoining vacant barber shop and restaurant was completely gutted in the early morning hours on May 14.
According to West Pend Oreille Fire Chief Les Kokanos the 103-year-old building was a total loss.
“We received the call just after midnight by a deputy who noticed the fire. It appeared to be caused by an electrical problem at the back of the building. We are still investigating and won’t leave until it is safe,” Kokanos said Friday morning.
According to Priest River Police Chief Ray Roberts, Popeye’s closed at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Kokanos said more than 20 WPOF volunteers respond as well as Westside fire department with their ladder truck and a truck and several firefighters from Newport.
The brick siding on the North side is still visible and Main and High Streets were closed on Friday while crews were making sure hot spots were out.