‘Plan to rebuild’
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-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A large hole in the wall near the roofline was visible Wednesday at Amigos, 280 N. First St., following an early morning fire at the popular Fort Dodge restaurant and bar. There was significant fire damage to the kitchen area, where the hole in the wall is, and the storage area next to it. The bar and dining area, which are in the part of the building that has the large Amigos sign on it, sustained smoke damage.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A large hole in the wall near the roofline was visible Wednesday at Amigos, 280 N. First St., following an early morning fire at the popular Fort Dodge restaurant and bar. There was significant fire damage to the kitchen area, where the hole in the wall is, and the storage area next to it. The bar and dining area, which are in the part of the building that has the large Amigos sign on it, sustained smoke damage.
Fire officials say an early Wednesday morning blaze at Amigos, 280 N. First St., was not suspicious, but did significant damage to the popular Fort Dodge restaurant and bar.
According to Fort Dodge Fire Chief Matt Price, a report of smoke was received at 4:03 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the attic and back of the building. The department quickly initiated fire attack, search, and ventilation procedures.
According to Price, the fire was significantly involved in the attic and on the south side of the structure. The department used multiple hoselines to bring the fire under control, and an extensive overhaul of the fire area was conducted.
FDFD was on scene for approximately three hours with 18 firefighters. One firefighter sustained a non-life-threatening injury. According to Price, the injury was not serious and the firefighter is “doing fine.”
A second alarm brought in five off-duty firefighters to staff the station and additional resources, including the ladder truck, were brought to the scene.
“The fire was not suspicious or a total loss,” said Price. “But significant damage was done to the kitchen and cooler area.”
According to Price, State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel were on scene Wednesday and agreed that the cause of the fire is undetermined but not suspicious in nature.
“I just want to thank the incredible response from the Fort Dodge Fire Department and first responders,” said Amigos owner Mark Campbell. “The outpouring from the community, the calls and texts, to check on us and on our staff have been incredible. We will keep the community apprised, and we plan to rebuild.”
Fort Dodge Fire Department was assisted by the Fort Dodge Police Department and Mid-American Energy.