The main lodge at Whitecap Mountain ski resort at Upson in Iron county burned to the ground Friday afternoon and evening.
Reports in the Ironwood Globe indicated Iron County fire departments worked to save the check-in area on the south end of the main lodge.
The fire is said to have started about 4 p.m. in a chimney with a fireplace near the cafe. Much of the building was recently renovated.
70 people had been working at the ski resort after opening for the season about a month ago. Smoke from the blaze was visible for miles by 4:30 p.m.
A former employee said much of the building was constructed of cedar, which burns rapidly, and there was an asphalt-tiled roof that produced heavy black smoke. Occupants of the nearby condominiums were evacuated.
No injuries were reported Friday evening.
