Eastern Kentucky camp lodge catches fire: ‘This is a huge loss’

RAVENNA, Ky. (FOX 56) — Crews from the Millers Creek and Estill County fire departments worked for over four hours when the lodge of Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center caught fire on Sunday.

Millers Creek fire officials posted on Facebook that just before noon on Aug. 9, crews were sent to the camp after reports of heavy smoke coming from the lodge hall.

Just before 12:15 p.m., crews with Engine 81 reported that the whole first floor of the structure was on fire.

Firefighters emphasized on social media that Aldersgate Camp was a “very rural” part of the district. Due to the lack of infrastructure, crews eventually had to use the camp’s swimming pool water to fight the blaze and stop it from spreading.

The fire eventually emerged through the roof of the lodge, with extra manpower from multiple crews working for over four hours to keep it under control.

Millers Creek fire officials thanked Debbie Rison and the staff of Helping Hands, as well as department board members Linda and Ed Tipton, for supplying drinks and snacks to firefighters as they worked.

An investigation into what caused the camp lodge fire remains ongoing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Aldersgate community during this time as this is a huge loss to the camp,” MCFD officials wrote.