The building that most recently housed Burlap & Lace is on fire this morning. It's in the midst of being made into a "Smoking Club" and bar/casino according to the sign that was in the window this weekend. That's ironic, isn't it- Smoking Club?

Where's that Miles City Cam when you need it?

It's been smoking/burning for about an hour now. Miles City's finest are on site and tackling the challenge. We'll all have to wait and see what's left when the smoke clears. Too bad another historic building may be lost and we may end up with another gap on Main Street.

Good luck to everyone. Thanks for all the photos it is so sad all of us who hav moved away over the years its still soo hard to see your home town burning like that. keep us all posted

Not having read the whole thread was anybody hurt in this fire? If so are they ok?

Kyle - I'm pretty sure everyone is OK. The fire started out slowly - at least compared to the blast that Bozeman suffered. And last I heard, all of the firefighters and other emergency workers made it through the battle OK as well. So, just property and memories were lost today. We're lucky in that sense, at least.

Hey everyone. I'll be heading out that way on the way to school this morning, and I'll take a bunch of pictures for everyone. Also, If you would like, I can go downtown with my HD camcorder and take video of it, and stick it on youtube. The video thing is based on requests cause hd video is oh so fun to edit. But, for sure. When school gets out, I'll be heading home to upload the pictures to my Flickr account, and for anyone who needs them emailed to them, you can leave a comment, or email me directly @ [email protected] and I'll reply back to you with them.

I am heartsick. There are so many shared memories...My first job was in Marie's Gift shop, and I too, remember highland dance lessons in the Miles block. I think Marge Lemire McLean donated the space so we could dance. I even remember child hood immunizations from Mary Faye Cotter in the clinic above Big Sky. The compassion of the citizens of Miles City and their ability to rally around those in need is what makes Miles City such a fine place to call home. I miss you all.
Jenny Mathers Heuck

Miles City burning AGAIN--it is an unusual heritage--one that breaks my heart. I would like to see a list of all the businesses that have burned in the last 50 years. The Crossroads, Alta Club, Leon Park come immediately to mind--not just those on Main---such tragedy--let's work together to recover and rebuild!

I looked at some of the picture in the Gazette today and all I can think of is the hard task and expense of cleaning up the mess. This sure give new meaning to the concept of a "block grant".

I'm reading and watching from Texas, but my heart is there with all of you and it's breaking. Miles City was "Home" to me for the first 30 years of my life and I think it always will be. I am so sorry for all those to whom this loss is personal financially, but I know that as a community, the emotional loss is personal to everyone. Some things can be rebuilt but never really replaced. Maybe something good will come from this...that's what I'll be praying for.
God bless all of you!

We are trying to wrap our minds around this loss for Miles City as fire crews still pour streams of water on what remains. It weighs heavy on our hearts that our home town has been defaced in this manner. I was on the internet late into the night reading the latest reports, watching the video (Thank you, Rick K.) and taking a lot of deep breaths NO ONE WAS HURT...incredible...and incredibly sad. I had one of my first jobs in the agate shop behind The Cellar and worked for a number of years at Blue Caboose Travel, right next door on Main. I send my prayers, best wishes and love from the prairie outside of Chicago. See you all very soon!

As for the blame game, I don't think anyone is placing blame anywhere. I see a lot of speculation happening. The fact of the matter is, no one knows what caused the fire at this point. These old buildings have a number of hazards in them, just by their nature such as old electrical wiring methods to the way they were built in the old days; they were built to burn. Unfortunately, Miles City has seen it's share of this type of disaster.

Again, be thankful that no one has been hurt. Things can be replaced and business rebuilt - people cannot.

What a staggering loss. So many memories there. My mom had an ice cream shop, The Big Dipper, around the corner right next to the alley...I'm not sure what business was there most recently. We had highland dance lessons for so many years there...I wonder if they were still using that space, I know in my last few years of dance we were practicing at the convent.

If anyone knows of any type of charity fund or some type of aid that can be donated to please let me know.

The buildings are gone. But so many memories remain. The creaking door at Marie's gift shop followed by the little bell ringing. The smell of the gift shop. The cavelike feeling.

Eating at the Cellar with my girls when they would both be home. It became a tradition that I always enjoyed.

Spending hours going through music at the Melody Shop while Mr. Kappes played one instrument or another.

Buying my first "real" jewelry from Stockhills.

Shopping at Shores.

No one can take our memories. They unite us all.

How many business were affected by the fire?

I am originally from Ekalaka. It is so sad to see so much of history go up in flames. Like everyone says, they will always have memories of either these businesses or ones that were there before. Thank you to everyone for posting pictures and video. My prayers go out to the whole community as you start to deal with the loss that has hit. Also many thanks need to be given to ALL the people involved that prevented this from being worse than it already is.
Sandra (Nies) Homolka

just had to share -- my Mom worked at Foster drug ,I too grew up in the underside of those blgs and new and the little secert places.

"It's called "Unemployment Insurance" and it will cover a portion of lost wages."

Dave - Thanks for that response. I was just wondering if there would be any further help. Isn't unemployment just a portion of wages. I guess I was just trying to put myself in their shoes.

From the Billings Gazette:

Among the business casualties are the Cellar Casino; Family Floral; Copper Thimble, a fabric store; and Good Things, a novelty and housewares store. A beauty shop and insurance agency also were lost. A bar under construction was destroyed.

John Stockhill Jewelers and Big Sky Pharmacy were also in the line of fire. As much inventory as possible was removed from those two stores early in the day.

The business losses account for 40 to 50 jobs, Whalen said.

Here's a link to a video I took before the Cellar had become engulfed....

http://s213.photobucket.c...I_1439.flv

Fire has always been, and will always be, a shaper of towns. We have survived bad ones before. Once the shock is over, we will survive this one.

Lost were the Creme Beauty Salon, which has been in the Arnold Block since 1929!, the Cellar Casino, Family Floral and the Copper Thimble. There was also an insurance office that only opened recently in the Arnold Block.

Good Things i.e. the Shores Building, damaged but probably repairable. Damaged but definitely repairable are Stockhills, Big Sky Pharmacy and the related businesses in that building, like the barber shop and the dentist.

The second floors of the buildings, which were once offices or apartments, were mostly empty, except for Big Sky, which has senior Housing Authority apartments.

Now, we take stock and start planning. And holding those memories close. Ah, what lovely buildings, gone by the whim of the wind. . .

Here's a short one from 8th & Main watching the Cellar go....

http://s213.photobucket.c...I_1455.flv

I've been trying to follow every thing from Missoula. I got a few pictures, and videos yesterday. It was only a few blocks away from my Dad's house. I called him to make sure he know what was going on. It's so devastating to have your home town burn. Does anyone know how it started? I heard a few things, but would like more information. I'm coming home next week, and seeing the town I grew up in burned up is going to be quite a shock to me. Thank you to everyone who risked their lives. God Bless you all. =(

How about some photos of what the scene looks like today?

In speaking with the Mayberry's daughter from Glendive this morning, they had no time whatsoever to get anything out of the building, including computers/accounts receivable information. They do not have a backup source of information. For anyone out there, like me, who have charge accounts with Family Floral, please help them out by paying your bills. I am sure it will be most appreciated. If you do not have an account, please help by spreading the word. Thank you!!!

Not sure if any of the other businesses had charge accounts. If so, the same probably applies for them as well. So sad!

I was just downtown to survey the damage. The East walls of the Arnold Mini-Mall are still standing, but the building is gutted. Going west, the buildings are burnt to the ground until you hit Stockhill jewelry. It is standing, but I'd imagine the heavy smoke and water damage will mean it must be condemned. The pharmacy is still standing and I imagine salvageable.

My husband use to manage Anthonys in the Silver Thimble building. His name is Monte Wolverton. It has been a long time since we have been to Miles City. We may have to make it for Bucking Horse to see the town. So sad to see the flames engulfing what I remember as "Down Town". You can't say that about hardly any town in Montana, all the good ole down town are gone. Hopefully Mile City will rebuild the Down Town. I loved going Christmas shopping and then stopping into the Log Cabin and have a few. Glenda Wolverton

Kelly,

The Good Things/Shores building is gone? In Snickers photo posted at 7:02PM last night it was still there and I was hopeful it would remain.

- Dave

I too remember the ice cream shop that was now occupied by Shawn Lockie.I think there was also a book store on the main floor too. I also remember shopping in Fashion Island where Family Floral was and in the Squire Shop for my dad. The saddness from this tragedy is overwhelming. As I walked by the area this morning there was an eerie quietness even though there were sounds in the air. I do believe though that as a community that cares the residents of Miles City will rally together to do what we can to help those in need.

My prayers go out to all of you. Haven't been back to MC much since I left, but my daughters were born there and lived there until 2006. We had many memories at the Cellar, both with my children and from when I was a teenager. I graduated from Terry and remember our pep band meals after tournaments held at the Cellar.

It is so sad to look at the pictures and see what is no longer there.

Liz, Hope Stan is recovering form the exhaustion each and every one of these firefighters must feel.

http://www.midrivers.com has a few pictures that were taken this morning. I am still in shock over the devastation! Unbelievable.

Sorry...

Good Things building IS still standing.

The Shores building is standing but damaged. Roof burned and lots of water and smoke but it looks like it can be saved. Won't know until a structural engineer looks at it but fingers crossed.

MidRivers photos show the devastation that remains very well. The ice adds an eerie effect. Just another obstical these firefighters had to contend with. God Bless all who will be affected by this.

http://farm4.static.flick...b83a_b.jpg
Here is a shot from about 10am today.

Great (in quality, if not in effect) picture, Tanneil.

I prefer looking at the masthead of milescity.com, though.

Speaking of milescity.com, I want to thank Larry (once again) for providing this website. I can't imagine what this situation would have been like if ex-pats didn't have a way to stay updated and communicate with people in Miles City.

What a valuable resource this website is! When we all get sniping at each other, it'll be nice to remember what this site can be.

We will be setting the pharmacy back up this afternoon. We dont know how long this will take. We should be able to take orders today but they dont want us to have customers down there till Wednesday. Emergency prescriptions can be delivered.

We thank everyone for your patience and understanding

Mike Etchemendy
Big Sky pharmacy

p.s. We want to thank everyone that helped out yesterday. Miles City is a great place live and do business.

This thread is continued here:

Fire! Main Street is burning again..... PART II

http://www.milescity.com/...fpid=77623

Hey Mike! Glad to see that the fire spared the pharmacy. I'm glad to see that you will be opening up soon. I wish all the best to you.

Vicky

Ingham Hotel, Wilson Saddelery, Bank (?which one) =500 block
Met Cafe, Golden Spur lounge, Hotel-Miles Howard? =600 block
Leon Park---who remembers having to leave the car at the highway and jumping into the back of a pickup to get through the water?
Crossroads--a good place to meet and eat
Alta club---2 or 3 times? Best Pizza around through the window!!

I know I have missed some, these are a few of the more 'recent' fires. It still is ashock to know the familar has changed again---prayers to all----Chris

(thanks to all for the update photos!!)

Hi Mike. Gosh how awful! I am so glad no one was hurt. Lots of wonderful memories in those buildings. I am so glad that the phamacy was spared. The people of Miles City are strong. They can pick up the pieces and rebuild. That block is the cornerstone of downtown. I pray it can be rebuilt. Sending my love to all. Would love to hear from you. Tonya

I think you're confusing the Alta with Airport Inn. Airport Inn has burned more than once, but the Alta only once that I know of.

I remember the first Alta Club as being a large white wooden building, was in the 50's?

Here is a shot from 30 minutes ago. It shows what is left of the Cellar as well as the building next door. There is still smoldering, with smoke and soot.


The next is looking toward Big Sky Pharmacy, John Stockhills, and Good Things...the vacant spot next is Copper Thimble Sorry for the hazy look, but it was taken through a window. You can see the trees frozen into strange shapes from all the water and freezing.


Lastly is directly across the street showing what was Family Floral and Burlap and Lace.

Not the official historian here, but old enough to be confounded by computers and GPS and at the same time seen some "Miles City" with memory attached in the 1950's. In my lifetime the Alta Club burned twice. The first one in my memory was a white building with a "Speakered" drive through restaurant similar to the Red Rock and A&W where soft ice cream and burgers came out the front. The "bar" was in back - maybe not then, but eventually.

Now living in Bozeman, and living through the explosion and fire two weeks ago that claimed a similar aged, sized and used piece of Main Street real estate here, am relieved to see people awaiting "official word" from professional investigators to place blame and cause. Also relieved so far to find news vectored towards human kindness and recovery, without the loss of life and without side-bar stories of people whose biggest concern were house-cats scared of the explosion while firefighters and people actually living in the building were trying to protect life and property.

One lesson from Bozeman fire so far is that 1/2 of Main Street is still filled with debris two weeks later as the legal jousting and insurance posturing prohibit even clearing the street until lawyers and fiduciary/underwriter examiners are happy. Then... something that is important, but not recognized with fires and cleanup not so long ago, is "Asbestos Remediation" and the accompanying contractor liabilities and disposal challenges that come with a threat we never knew existed in the "good old days".

Thanks for the affermation---------I thought maybe I had 'dreamed' the old Alta!!

Pics from today

Trippy. And not in a good way.

MC is starting to look more and more like Glendive.

(That having been said, I am nothing but thankful for the help that Glendive sent during the fire).

http://farm4.static.flick...b059_b.jpg
This was taken this morning.