An early morning fire engulfed the interior Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market in downtown Truckee on Friday, Aug. 2. The fire at the recently opened restaurant and fish market does not appear to be suspicious, according to Truckee Fire Protection District officials.
The restaurant’s alarm company called in the fire around 1 a.m. and shortly afterward Truckee Fire, as well as firefighters from Northstar, Squaw Valley and CAL FIRE, responded and extinguished the fire.
The restaurant’s owners have been contacted and have been in cooperation with fire investigators. According to Paul Spencer, spokesman for the Truckee Fire Protection District, the fire appears to have started in the lobster shack’s kitchen.
Damage to the building is extensive, according to officials. But owner Shawn Whitney said that none of the damage was structural, and he plans to repair the interior and re-open within a month.
The lobster shack, opened in late June by Shawn and his wife Heather Whitney after a thorough remodel of the building, had been receiving positive reviews for its fresh Maine lobster, and premium fish and seafood dishes.
Neighboring business La Fleur Rouge did not suffer any damage from the fire due to the concrete walls between the two businesses that blocked the flames, said La Fleur Rouge owner Rhiannon Hosea.
A website has been set up by locals to help Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market re-open after this devastating fire. Click here to donate.
~ David Bunker contributed to this article
