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BAYFIELD, CO - At approximately 4:30 a.m. on July 5th, 2009, Upper Pine River firefighters were dispatched to Virginia’s Steak House at 18044 County Road 501 on a report of a structure fire. The restaurant has been a landmark in the Vallecito Lake area since the late 1970’s. Engine 62, under command of Lieutenant Kevin Griego, arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from the two-story log building.

As additional engines and water tenders arrived, command was assumed by Deputy Chief Randy Larson. Firefighters found a light smoke condition in the building. It appeared that the fire had originated on the outside deck of the structure in the area of a portable bar. The fire had extended into the outside wall of the restaurant and caused some minor structural damage.

Firefighters overhauled the wall and deck area and utilized a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the building of smoke. A Thermal Imaging Camera was put to work to assure the no further fire extension had occurred. Units started to release from the scene shortly before 7:00 a.m. The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the Upper Pine River Fire District and the LaPlata County Sherriff’s Office.