A Christmas morning fire has left a Genoa bar and restaurant a total loss. The Genoa/Harmony Fire Department was notified on Sunday, December 25th, 2022 at 7:54am by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office – Dispatch Division of a possible structure fire at Big River Bar & Grill, Main St, Village of Genoa. The first initial reports from dispatch was heavy smoke was showing from the entire structure.
While crews were still en route to the station they were notified that flames were becoming visible from a roof vent, at which point mutual aid was requested from the Stoddard-Bergen, Wheatland and DeSoto Fire Departments for a full response. While still battling the fire and due to the amount of water that was flowing the department requested 2 additional tenders from the Viroqua Fire Department and 1 from the Ferryville Fire Department for water shuttling purposes.
A salt truck from the Vernon County Highway Department was also requested due to the amount of overspray and water spilling on the road causing icy conditions to develop.
The upstairs tenant was able to get out, unfortunately many personal items were lost along with 2 cats.
All units were back in quarters shortly before 4pm. There were no reported injury to any firefighters. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the building is considered a total loss.
Assisting on scene was the Stoddard Bergen Fire Department, Wheatland Fire Department, De Soto Fire Department, Viroqua Fire Dept., Ferryville Fire Department, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office – Patrol Division, Vernon County Highway Department and Xcel Energy.
Information and photo courtesy of the Genoa/Harmony Fire Department Facebook Page.