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LEGION FIRE pumped into the building and the Continued from Page 1 amount of foam we used, we're THE LEGION"S stumped." throughout the ballroom, shooting REACTION roughly 50 feet into the air through A Special City Council the roof. Meeting Called American Legion First Vice On July 22, a special meeting was Once again, all 23 members of the called by the Hugo City Council. Commander Phil Kamman Hugo Fire Department responded. Before a capacity crowd in the describes the fire as a loss not The Centerville Fire Department was Council Chambers, Chief Compton only to members, but to the also called for mutual aid, and the reported the events of the fire, and the community as well. He notes White Bear Lake ambulance was state fire marshal indicated that,based that in addition to being a mili- called for standby in case of any on the construction and the type of tary fraternal organization and injuries to firefighters. Compton stat- materials, the occurrence of rekin- operating a bar and social club, ed, "We made an initial attack, dling is common in situations like the American Legion contributes putting out the majority of the fire this. Representatives of the American a great deal back into the com- that was proceeding to the south end Legion also spoke at the meeting. munity. Last year,they gave back of the building by popping some win- Commander John Thomas stated that nearly$50,000—much of that in dows out." The situation was made the Legion places no blame whatsoev- college scholarships for students more difficult because a house and a er on the Fire Department for what in the four school districts serv- garage on the west side of the building occurred. It was also reported that the ing Hugo. The Legion has also had to be protected from the fire. A building was insured, and the mem- second crew entered through the hers of Post 620 plan to rebuild. supported Boys' and Girls' State, fire in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, south door and found heavy the south attic area. "We got that fire The City Council took action to form the Fire Department, and youth put out after we pulled the ceiling a special committee, including City summer athletic programs. down, and by that time the roof on staff, Council, and American Legion the north end had caved in," members, to facilitate the building of Mary Gutz, 1st Vice President of Compton added. After a final mop a new home for Post 620. "The the American Legion Auxiliary, up, the crew left at about 10:30 a.m. Council is very willing to work with said that the Auxiliary was "dev- the American Legion, and we're anx- astated" by the loss, adding, "We One firefighter was treated on the ious to see Post 620 re-establish itself feel lost — as though we've lost scene for heat exhaustion, but there in the community," states Mayor our home." She indicated that were no injuries to any employees, Miron. Until a new building can be some of their activities may need patrons, or firefighters. A great deal constructed, both the Hugo Fire Hall to be curtailed until they have a of memorabilia was lost, but most of and the City Hall's Oneka Room will new building. She was especially the Legion's war memorabilia was be made available to any group that stored in the basement, where it suf- formerly met at the Legion building. grateful to the Fire Department for providing space for the craft fered some water and smoke damage, but is salvageable. fair in November and to George AMERICAN LEGION Reus at the Blacksmith Lounge When asked about how the fire rekin- REBUILDING FUND for offering his support after the dled, Compton responded, "It's a big Although the American Legion building was fire. blow to the community and to the insured,the entire cost of rebuilding will not be covered. A fund has been established for firefighters to have this happen. anyone who wishes to contribute to help Both Kamman and Gutz report We've re-examined this fire from Post 620 rebuild. send donations to: that their members are anxious every angle, trying to figure out what Hugo American Legion Rebuilding Fund REACTION rekindled or where it rekindled. P.O.Box 371 Continued on Page 3 Considering the amount of water we Hugo,MN 55038 2