Fire consumes three businesses in Noxon

Three businesses in a rural Sanders County town were destroyed in an early morning fire Tuesday, Feb. 27.

The Mercantile and Café, Angry Beaver General Store and Toby’s Tavern in Noxon burned in the fire that was first reported a 5:42 a.m. Officials suspected the fire started in the Angry Beaver and spread to the other stores.

Fire departments from Noxon, with mutual aid provided by Trout Creek and Heron fire departments, battled the fire in the small town’s main business district.

A state fire marshal was on the scene Tuesday to assist in the investigation. The cause of the fire had not been determined.

The Angry Beaver was completely consumed by the blaze, with only the floor visible. 

Toby’s Tavern, which has been in business since 1967, had a small section of the back of the building still standing. The tavern was noted for its large collection of silver dollar coins. 

The Mercantile and Café saw extensive interior and exterior damage, as well.

Each building was considered a total loss.

“We can’t thank all the firefighters enough,” the Mercantile and Cafe posted on its Facebook page. “They all did what they could and worked super hard!”

Located off Montana 200 northwest of Thompson Falls, Noxon has a population of less than 200.

On Saturday, about 100 people attended an informational meeting led by Noxon Fire Chief Jim Byler at the Noxon School to address questions about the fire investigation.

Sanders County Commissioner Anthony Cox, and Sen. Jon Tester’s Regional Director Chad Campbell, were on hand to answer questions. Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Eric Pfleger thanked the first responders for their hard work during the fire. 

Byler said that he was personally on the fire scene from 6 a.m., when he was called out on the fire, until Thursday. The fire required someone to be on scene the entire day, he said.

“About every 20 minutes we opened the lines and shot some water,” Byler explained. “It was too hot to leave. Two of us stayed.”

“The fire department is sorry for what happened,” Byler added. “We had 29 guys and 13 trucks there.” 

Pfleger and Byler asked attendees to help their investigation by supplying any photos or video from security cameras that may offer insight into how the fire started. 

Byler said an out-of-state insurance investigator will inspect the damage and may be able to answer some of the questions about how the fire started. 

“Nothing points to arson as the cause of the fire,” Byler said. “Let the fire insurance do their job.” 

Residents expressed their concern about whether the three businesses were going to rebuild. 

“It’s up to the property owners if they come back,” Byler said. “We need to work together to bring the community back. We are not going to let Noxon become a ghost town.” 

Owner of the Angry Beaver, Teresa Jackson said they will try rebuilding as soon as possible. She purchased the store 14 months ago after being the manager of the business. The Angry Beaver employed four people. 

Noxon Mercantile Café owner Amy Klaschik was non-committal when asked about any rebuilding plans. 

The owner of Toby’s Tavern was not available for questions at the meeting. 

Fundraising efforts for the town is already underway. 

A Go Fund Me page is set up as the Noxon Strong Recovery Fund. The funds collected are to be evenly distributed to each of the businesses affected by the fire. 

Northwest Landmark Real Estate is sponsoring a hat and T-shirt sales program to help raise funds. Those interested in purchasing items can email diane.nwlandmark@gmail.com. One hundred percent of the sales are donated to Noxon Strong. 

Drop boxes for donations were supplied by Northwest Landmark Real Estate and have been set up around Noxon, Trout Creek, Thompson Falls, Clark Fork Idaho, and Heron.

At the end of the meeting Byler presented each business with $500 checks donated by the Noxon Firemen. 

A spaghetti feed to help the business will take place in Trout Creek at the Lakeside Event Center March 23 from 1-5 p.m. The organizers are Jamie KcKenzie and James Quigle. For additional information contact them at 406-499-2321 and 406-291-1809.

    The Angry Beaver owner Teresa Jackson at an informational meeting in Noxon on Saturday. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Noxon Fire Chief Jim Byler and Sanders County Sheriff's Office Deputy Eric Pfleger at an informational meeting in Noxon on Saturday. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Firefighters respond to a fire at the Mercantile and Cafe, Angry Beaver and Toby's Tavern in Noxon on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)