Fire burns old theater, evacuates downtown Winnemucca

Sunday morning, Aug. 28, at 2 in the morning, the 200 block of Bridge Street was evacuated, due to a fully engulfed fire at the old theater building next to Ben's Discount Liquor. Humboldt County Dispatch Center was advised via telephone of a possible explosion and then a fire. Personnel from Winnemucca City Fire Department responded. City Fire Chief Alan Olsen asked for additional assistance from the Winnemucca Rural Fire Department, and they were called out as well. 

The Winnemucca City Fire Department's new ladder truck was put to very good use. A fireman at the top of the ladder directed the flow of water down and through the collapsed roof of the building while flames continued to shoot up. The city's other large truck was out front also shooting water at the front and up through the roof of the building. One of  Winemucca Rural Fire Department personnel were in the alleyway shooting water into the building from that direction. 

Officers from the Winnemucca Police Department assisted with evacuation and pedestrian control Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputies also assisted with traffic control and securing the area.

Responders from HGH EMS arrived and set up their safety and support equipment to assist the fire department and other emergency responders. Ambulances and EMS personnel were on scene for support.

The State Fire Marshal arrived Sunday morning by 6:30 a.m. Entry into the facility for investigation was hindered, due to the instability of the structure and safety concerns, according to WPD Captain Bill Dalley. The structure was deemed unsafe by the State Fire Marshal. At the time of this release, Dalley said there were no reports of any injuries.

If anyone has information that may be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Cory Dunckhorst or Lt. Pam Coats at (775)623-6396 or Secret Witness at (775)623-6969.