The historic Thunderbird Inn bar and restaurant in Florissant received “moderate to severe damage” after a fire late Wednesday night, according to Florissant Fire Rescue.

The bulk of the fire was in the front bar area near the fireplace, officials said. Fire was also found around the stove pipe, ceiling and attic area.

The Thunderbird Inn has sat on the corner of U.S. 24 and Teller County Road 1 since the late 1920s.

“The community is on hand to help the owner reopen as soon as possible,” said Florissant Fire Rescue Chief John Buchan.

Russ Howard has owned the Thunderbird Inn for more than four decades, according to previous Gazette reporting.

Larry Clark, owner of Florissant Mercantile and Conoco Station, offered The Thunderbird freezer space due to the restaurant’s power being turned off. There were several posts on Facebook of community members wanting to help.

“The community is eager to see it reopen,” said Florissant resident John Rakowski.

Teller County 911 dispatched the alarm structure fire at about 11:30 p.m. to multiple fire districts and the local ambulance service. Teller County deputies arrived in five minutes and confirmed that the structure was on fire. Buchan, the fire chief, upgraded the alarm assignment to a confirmed working fire.

Due to the age and heavy build of the structure, crews had to force entry through multiple doors.

Fire attack was first started with a water can and a rapid search for victims initiated. While this was happening, multiple lines were stretched and placed in service. Once a hose line was in service, full fire attack was made.

As more firefighters from surrounding areas arrived on scene, crews completed a primary search, ventilation, secured utilities and overhaul.

The fire was under control in 15 minutes and out after 45 minutes, officials said. First responders remained on scene until 2 a.m.

Nearly 30 first responders were on scene including Florissant Fire Rescue, Lake George, 4 Mile, Divide, and NETCO Fire Departments. UPRAD, Teller County Sheriff’s Office, CORE Electric and Colorado Natural Gas were also on scene.

No injuries were reported.

No cause for the fire was announced. Buchan said the bar area received severe damage, but the rest he said was moderate.