Fire destroys Wolf Lodge Steakhouse near Coeur d'Alene

The Wolf Lodge Steakhouse, an iconic restaurant that dates back decades, was destroyed in a fire Monday. 

At least 10 fire departments and agencies responded to the three-alarm blaze that broke out about noon on Frontage Road, 8 miles east of Coeur d’Alene. 

Even three hours later, firefighters continued spraying water as gray smoke rose into the sky and traffic slowed on Interstate 90. 

General manager Nicole Martel told The Press the fire started in an exhaust hood in the kitchen. She said they tried to put it out.

“We went through every fire extinguisher in the building and called 911,” she said. 

Assistant manager Shawn Martel suffered burns trying to put the fire out and was taken to Kootenai Health. 

Nicole Martel cried as she looked on, comforted by family. She had worked at the landmark for 27 and a half years. The restaurant was closed Monday, but many employees were there for a Labor Day picnic. 

“A lot of memories,” she said. 

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Chris Way said when the first units arrived about 10 minutes after receiving the call, flames were burning from the back of the building and through the roof. 

It spread rapidly. As more firefighters arrived, water was brought in by a convoy of fire tankers as there were no hydrants in the area.  

Way said it was an intense blaze, and three firefighters were treated onsite for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Conditions were cloudy with temperatures in the 80s. 

He said they realized the structure was going to be a total loss and set up a defensive position. By 2 p.m. they had the fire contained. 

A small wildland fire started on a hillside to the east of the steakhouse. Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands dug a fire line that contained it, Way said.  

He said the fire was not a threat to neighboring houses or land. 

The fire of the famous structure attracted a crowd, which caused problems for water tenders navigating their way down Frontage Road, and even on Interstate 90 as passersby slowed to take a look.

“We had a couple instances of pedestrians almost hit on I-90,” Way said. 

Royce and May Driggs, friends of the Martels, were on scene and said they hope it can be rebuilt. 

“They put their heart, body and soul into this, and it shows,” Royce Driggs said.  

May Driggs said they wanted to be there for the Martels. 

“We love those guys,” Royce Driggs said. 

The Wolf Lodge Steakhouse has been a Coeur d'Alene landmark for decades. After serving as a convenience store since 1939, the location became popular as a traditional steakhouse in the 1970s. 

An investigation continues. 

    Firefighters spray water on the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse, while Idaho Department of Lands crews dig a fire line on the hillside to the east of the restaurant Monday.
  

    Firefighters carry hoses outside the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse on Monday.
  

    Firefighters take a breather from battling the blaze at the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse on Monday.