The fire melted the structural steel (What would Rosie O'Donut say?)
Massive Fire Levels Conference Center, ROMAYOR, October 18, 2009 - At approximately 5 pm on October 18th, 2009 a massive fire was reported from the Artesian Lakes Resort (formerly known as Chain-O-Lakes). The fire attracted trucks and volunteer firemen from 15 different East Texas volunteer fire departments. A huge column of smoke could be seen from miles away as the multi level conference center burned. The roof collapsed and the entire building was leveled. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident. One worker stated to PolkCountyToday.com that the Romayor Volunteer Fire Department was the first fire department on the scene. Before the arrival of the other fire departments, firemen were spread thin trying to put out fires in different parts of the huge structure while other parts would burn. Onalaska, Livingston, Scenic Loop and South Polk County VFD's represented Polk County and did their part to help put out a fire that didn't want to die. Water was pumped in from a nearby lake to battle the stubborn blaze. Heavy equipment was brought in to expedite the process as the building was completely leveled. The fire was completely out by 7:30 pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran directs his men.
Onalaska Fire Chief Roy Newport (red hat).
Livingston Volunteer Fireman Rocky Richards
A tanker truck dumps water into these pools and multiple trucks can draw water from them to fight the fire.
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