The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and Genoa-Harmony Fire Chief Department have released more details on a Christmas morning fire in the village of Genoa. The Big River Inn tavern and restaurant on the ground level and two apartments on the second level, was destroyed in the blaze. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated in the second story or attic.
One of the apartments was occupied by a 43 year old female, who was able to exit the building with no injuries. The bar/restaurant was not open for business at the time of the fire.
Around forty firefighters from several area departments battled the fire in the extreme cold while successfully protecting two nearby structures. The fire was extinguished at approximately 11:00 AM. For safety reasons, and to further protect the two nearby structures, the structure was taken down to the first-floor level and firefighters remained on scene until about 4:00 PM.
The fire remains under investigation by the Genoa-Harmony Fire Department and the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.