Firefighters Extinguish Blaze at Historic Timberline Lodge in Oregon

On April 18, 2024, firefighters successfully extinguished a fire at the historic Timberline Lodge in Government Camp, Oregon, which was featured in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film "The Shining." The fire, which broke out around 9:30 p.m., was limited to the roof and attic area of the lodge. Guests and staff were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Crews from multiple fire departments, including Hoodland Fire, Clackamas Fire, Gresham Fire, and Estacada Fire, responded to the scene. They were able to bring the blaze under control by 11 p.m. "The damage was somewhat minimal, with water contained in the headhouse and lobby areas and no internal fire or smoke damage," the lodge reported in a statement on their Facebook page.

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Forest Service are working to identify the cause of the fire. Initial suspicions point to embers from the lodge's large stone fireplace as a potential source. The lodge and the nearby Mount Hood ski area remained closed on Friday, April 19, while damage assessments were conducted.

Why this matters: The Timberline Lodge, built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration, is a National Historic Landmark and an iconic symbol of Oregon's Mount Hood. The lodge's exterior was used as a substitute for the Overlook Hotel in Kubrick's classic horror film "The Shining." The fire and its aftermath have drawn national attention, highlighting the importance of preserving historic structures and the quick response of local firefighters in preventing more extensive damage.

The Timberline Lodge, located 60 miles east of Portland at an elevation of around 6,000 feet, is expected to resume operations on Sunday, April 21, pending inspections. The Mount Hood ski area is set to resume operations on Saturday, April 20. "Timberline employees, local fire departments, and first responders were able to contain the fire and save the historic lodge from further damage," the lodge stated, expressing gratitude for the swift actions of all involved.

Key Takeaways

• Fire at historic Timberline Lodge in Oregon on April 18, 2024 was limited to roof/attic.
• No injuries reported, guests and staff evacuated safely, and damage was minimal.
• Investigators working to identify cause, initial suspicion points to fireplace embers.
• Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark and iconic for "The Shining" film.
• Lodge and ski area expected to reopen by April 20-21 after damage assessments.