This page was created to make it simpler for the thousands of readers  who have been logging on to IronwoodInfo's coverage of the devastating fire which destroyed a significant portion of downtown Ontonagon over the Labor Day weekend. Included are the very first photos of the fire posted on the web immediately after the fire started. While other media slept, IronwoodInfo was on the scene chronicling this historic event.

 

Fire Guts Downtown Ontonagon

Ontonagon - August 31, 2008

Streets that just 12 hours earlier  filled with classic cars and hundreds of spectators are now filled with flames, smoke and water sprays. From celebration to tragedy in just 12 hours.

At 5:00 AM Ontonagon residents were awaken by a long loud siren signaling that a fire had broken out. Within a short while fire firefighters from Carp Lake and Silver City would join the Ontonagon Fireman already battling the blaze threatening the entire downtown area.

photo above by Linda Graham . Read Full Story and first photos posted anywhere

Thanks to the Volunteer Firefighters
From the Many Responding Departments

Ontonagon - August 31, 2008

One Hundred and Twelve years ago last Monday Downtown Ontonagon was destroyed by fire. The date was August 25th 1896. This morning at 5:00AM the residents of Ontonagon once again feared that history was about to repeat itself.  According to Bruce Johanson, town historian, several of the buildings destroyed by this morning's fire were among the first buildings rebuilt after the 1896 fire. As bad as today's fire was, and it was very bad,  we can be grateful for the great work of the many volunteer fireman that fought and contained the fire. Read More

Ontonagon Fire Update

The State Fire Marshal, Jeff Hubbard,  from Marquette  was at the fire scene Sunday, but the rubble was too hot for him to do an investigation, He returned to the fire scene on Tuesday to sift through the rubble. He stated that cause the fire will be classified as have started from "undetermined causes" There was no evidence that the blaze had started intentionally.

 Read More View New Photos

Benefit for Fire Victims
a Great Success

SILVER CITY - September 11, 2008

More than 175 people attended the benefit dinner for the victims of the Labor Day weekend fire in Ontonagon.  Paul's Restaurant at AmericInn, of Silver City Michigan hosted the fundraiser.

Read Full Story
 

Ontonagon Bounce - Part 1

Ontonagon Goes On With 51st  Laborfest

Just hours after the horrific early morning fire which destroyed 7 buildings with other buildings severely damaged by smoke and water the 51st  Annual Ontonagon Labor Festival continued with the scheduled parade. Earlier the 5K and 10K runs had been cancelled. A slight modification in the parade route permitted the parade to go on as otherwise  planned.

 A representative of the Superior Pipes and Drums summed up the expressed feelings of many, "It's amazing how the community pulled together to put on that kind of a parade in view of what had happened earlier in the morning. We highly commend all those who worked so hard and especially the fire departments."

More than 10 fire departments fought the fire earlier in the day and were subsequently replaced by volunteer firemen from Wakefield, Ironwood Township, and Hurley WI.

Read Story and View Photos

Ontonagon Bounce - Part 2

Annual Hank Thompson Memorial
Kiddie Parade Marches On!

above - Kiddie Parade marchers and float says it all -

Labor Day 2008 - Ontonagon
One day after a devastating fire, moms, dads, kids and pets march a slightly revised parade route in downtown Ontonagon. The normal Hank Thompson Kiddie Parade  was rerouted due the closing of the original route  to accommodate the County Prosecutor. Read More and View Kiddie Parade Photos

Benefit for Fire Victims
a Great Success

SILVER CITY - September 11, 2008

More than 175 people attended the benefit dinner for the victims of the Labor Day weekend fire in Ontonagon.  Paul's Restaurant at AmericInn, of Silver City Michigan hosted the fundraiser.

The benefit was organized by Steve Holden, Julie Chaska,  and the staff of Paul's AmericInn. One hundred per cent of the money raised will go directly to the victims of the fire.

Benefit for Fire Victims
a Great Success

SILVER CITY - September 11, 2008

More than 175 people attended the benefit dinner for the victims of the Labor Day weekend fire in Ontonagon.  Paul's Restaurant at AmericInn, of Silver City Michigan hosted the fundraiser.

The benefit was organized by Steve Holden, Julie Chaska,  and the staff of Paul's AmericInn. One hundred per cent of the money raised will go directly to the victims of the fire. Read More and View Photos

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